Which term describes an individual's ability to control their behavior independently?

The term that best describes an individual's ability to control their behavior independently is self-regulation. This concept encompasses the processes by which individuals manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in various situations. Self-regulation involves setting personal goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting actions as needed, which are all critical components of self-management.

In contrast, self-determination refers to the broader concept of an individual's ability to make choices and to have control over one's own life. While it involves autonomy, it does not specifically focus on the control of behaviors.

Self-direction is similar to self-determination and emphasizes the ability to take initiative and guide one's actions towards personal goals, but it does not encompass the specific mechanisms of behavior control that self-regulation does.

Self-control relates to the ability to override impulses and desires in pursuit of a longer-term goal, but it is typically viewed in a more restrictive context. While self-control is a part of self-regulation, it does not encompass the full range of planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes that define self-regulation.

Therefore, self-regulation is the most precise term to highlight the capability of controlling one's behavior independently.