Executive Function 5 min read

Inhibitory Controls

Inhibitory controls are the executive function abilities that allow teens to suppress inappropriate responses, resist distractions, and stop behaviors that interfere with goals.

Why inhibition develops slowly

Inhibitory control relies heavily on prefrontal cortex development, which continues into the mid-twenties. During adolescence, inhibitory control is particularly challenged by heightened emotional reactivity and reward sensitivity.

Research shows inhibitory control predicts academic success, social competence, and mental health better than IQ. Students with strong inhibitory control show better outcomes across all life domains.

Diamond (2013) identified inhibitory control as a core executive function that predicts school readiness and academic achievement. Moffitt et al. (2011) found that childhood self-control predicts physical health, substance dependence, personal finances, and criminal offending outcomes in adulthood.

You're not alone

If your teen can't stop gaming when time's up, blurts inappropriate comments, or can't ignore phone notifications during homework, inhibitory controls need strengthening. Many parents mistake weak inhibition for defiance. Understanding these as developing brain skills rather than choices changes approach. Families working on inhibitory control report improved behavior and reduced power struggles.

What it looks like day to day

Student

Your teen successfully ignores phone buzzing during study time, demonstrating interference control over digital distractions.

Parent

You see your teen catch themselves before making an impulsive purchase, using inhibitory control to align with savings goals.

Tiny steps to try

Strengthen inhibitory controls through targeted practice.

1

Stop signal games

Practice stopping on cue during activities. Red light/green light builds inhibition pathways.
2

Opposite day

Do opposite of impulses occasionally. If impulse says check phone, deliberately wait.
3

Distraction practice

Work with planned distractions, building ability to ignore. Start easy, increase difficulty.
4

Response delays

Build in thinking time before all responses. "Let me think" becomes automatic pause.
5

Inhibition rewards

Celebrate successful inhibition. "You stopped yourself!" recognizes control development.

Why inhibitory control matters

Strong inhibitory control enables teens to override automatic responses, think before acting, and maintain focus despite temptations or distractions.

Inhibitory control includes:
• Response inhibition (stopping actions)
• Interference control (ignoring distractions)
• Cognitive inhibition (suppressing irrelevant thoughts)
• Emotional inhibition (managing reactions)
• Motor inhibition (controlling movement)

These controls underlie self-regulation and goal achievement.

References

Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135-168.

Moffitt, T. E., Arseneault, L., Belsky, D., Dickson, N., Hancox, R. J., Harrington, H., ... & Caspi, A. (2011). A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(7), 2693-2698.

Ready to help your teen thrive?

Get personalized 1-on-1 coaching to build better habits and boost grades. Join 10,000+ families who trust Coachbit.

Take our quiz Schedule a call

Frequently Asked Questions

Are weak inhibitory controls always ADHD?

ADHD involves significant inhibitory control deficits, but many factors affect inhibition: fatigue, stress, anxiety, or normal development. All teens have weaker inhibitory control than adults. ADHD inhibition problems are severe, persistent, and present from childhood. If inhibition problems significantly impair functioning, evaluation helps identify causes.

Can medication improve inhibitory control?

Stimulant medications can improve inhibitory control in ADHD by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in prefrontal circuits. However, medication isn't the only option. Behavioral interventions, mindfulness training, and cognitive training also strengthen inhibitory control. Combination approaches often work best. Consult healthcare providers about options.