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What You Need to Know About Willpower

What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control explores the leading research into the nature and consequences of people's ability to exert self-control. The willpower report is accompanied by a survey report on Americans' goals for the New Year and their perceptions of willpower. Both the willpower report and survey are part of APA's Mind/Body Health campaign, educating the public about behavioral science, the connection between psychological and physical health, and how lifestyle and behaviors can affect overall health and wellness.

More information on willpower can be found in the This is Psychology: Willpower video, part of the "This Is Psychology" video series. "This is Psychology" highlights some of the most intriguing psychological research being published today. These videos are hosted by APA Chief Executive Officer Norman B. Anderson, PhD.

• What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control

• What You Need to Know about Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control - Spanish (PDF, 1.7MB)

• Press Release

• Stress in America: Our Health at Risk Followup Survey (PDF, 884KB)

• Willpower, finances and spending

• Harnessing willpower to meet educational goals

• Willpower and living healthy
  

Stress in America

Since 2007, the American Psychological Association has been commissioning an annual nationwide survey as part of its Mind/Body Health campaign to examine the state of stress across the country and understand its impact. The 2011 report, Stress in America: Our Health At Risk, focuses on ways in which stress affects individuals differently based on gender, geographic region and age, as well as, its impact on caregivers and persons with chronic illness.

Official information and reports:

• Our Health At Risk

• The Impact of Stress

• Chronic Stress Fact Sheet

• Five Tips on How to Manage Stress