The ability to image the active human brain has allowed us to understand the network of attention that supports self-control. A central part of this network is an old part of the human brain that that expanded and changed in connections during human evolution. One part of this structure controls areas of the brain related to feelings and another part controls thoughts.
Studies imaging the human brain shows that the size of this control structure predicts the ability resolve conflict in a simple cognitive task during childhood. The task is to press a key according to the direction of a central arrow (left direction press left key) surrounded either by arrows of the same direction or the opposite. The difference in speed between compatible (same direction) and incompatible (opposite direction) is the time to resolve conflict.
Can we improve performance of this critical network underlying self-control? Research has shown forms of meditation learning can improve self-control by enhancing the communication between the brain area involved in control with brain areas involved with thought and feelings. Research shows that meditation also strengthens brain rhythms which in mice have been shown to increase the activity of cells that provide insulation to the pathways connecting areas of control to other brain areas thus improving the ability to regulate behavior.
Can these methods actually improve life in humans who suffer from disorders such as, substance abuse that can be due to poor self-control? In the case of addiction to tobacco and to opioids, studies have shown that various forms of meditation training can reduce craving and thus reduce or even eliminate the use of tobacco. To study tobacco addiction, students were recruited to reduce stress. Tobacco craving and use was greatly reduced even or eliminated even in those who did not desire to quit smoking. This result suggests that reduced craving depends more on changing the network than it does on the persons intention. In the case of opioid addiction, the best predictor of the extent of reduced use was the amount of the same brain rhythm increased by meditation training.
Much research remains to be done to understand the limits of improving selfregulation not only in patient populations but also in normal people. However current research has greatly improved our understanding of the mechanisms involved in self control.
For more than fifty years Michael Posner has studied how mental operations, particularly those related to attention, are carried out by neural networks. He has used cognitive, imaging and genetic methods. In 1988 he published together with Marc Raichle imaging studies of visual and auditory word processing. These studies helped develop methods to image the human brain. In 1998 he was founding director of an Institute at Weill Medical College that carried out work with infants and young children on cognitive and brain development. . He continues research as Prof. Emerit of Psychology at the University of Oregon. His recent research has involved to use of mouse and human studies to examine how attention and memory networks interact during learning and how these networks may be improved by learning and brain stimulation. He has applied these findings to educational and clinical issues. Posner has received many honors including election to National Academy of Sciences USA in 1981, 2009 the national medal of science from President Obama and in 2017 he was awarded the Franklin medal in Computer and Cognitive Science.