Fantino, E., & Stolarz-Fantino, S. (2002).
From patterns to prosperity: A review of Rachlin’s
The Science of Self-control
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
78, 117-125.
The Science of Self-Control (Rachlin, 2000) presents a
clear overview of research and theory on self-control,
emphasizing important recent research by Rachlin and his students
on temporally extended behavioral patterning as an aid to curbing
impulsive decisions. We found the book well suited as a textbook
in a graduate seminar on self-control, particularly because it
lucidly presents several provocative ideas about self-control,
decision making, addiction, and general theories of behavior. Of
particular interest are his discussion of the "primrose
path" to addiction and his behavioral research on the
"prisoner’s dilemma" as it relates to self-control.
Although we take some issue with teleological behaviorism, the
theory of behavior advocated by Rachlin, we recommend this book
to anyone interested in self-control.
Key words: self-control, choice, behaviorism, teleological
behaviorism, addiction, impulsiveness