inhibitory control

Inhibitory control is the brain's ability to intentionally suppress irrelevant or automatic responses to focus on a task or goal. It helps us resist impulses, such as not eating junk food when dieting or stopping ourselves from reacting angrily. This skill is essential for self-regulation, decision-making, and adapting behavior based on social rules or changing circumstances. Inhibitory control develops over time and varies among individuals, playing a key role in our capacity to stay attentive, disciplined, and make considered choices.