Mark Muraven

Broadly, I am interested in how people set and reach goals. Much of my research has focused on self-control. I am interested in how people set and reach goals that they set for themselves, as well as the effects of reaching or not reaching these goals. I am especially interested in factors that may contribute to the breakdown of self-control. I am also interested in interventions that might improve self-control, including practicing self-control, reframing of goals or restructuring the environment.

My recent research has also focused on how people deal with conflicting desirable goals. How people resolve those conflicts might lead to personal growth and development. Ultimately, this might help to explain how complex long-term goals emerge from the very simple and immediate goals that people are born with.