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Related Experiment Video

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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children

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Published on: March 1, 2019

Autonomous Self-Control is Less Depleting.

¹University at Albany.

Journal of Research in Personality

|August 16, 2008

Summary

Autonomously motivated self-control is less depleting than extrinsically motivated self-control. When people feel free to exert self-control, their performance is better than when they feel compelled.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Cognitive Science
Behavioral Science

Background:

Self-control is crucial for goal achievement.
Previous research suggests self-control can be depleted.
The role of motivation in self-control depletion is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether autonomous motivation buffers self-control depletion compared to extrinsic motivation.
To examine the relationship between motivation, self-control performance, and feelings of autonomy.

Main Methods:

Participants resisted eating cookies, and their motivation (autonomous vs. extrinsic) was assessed.
Self-control performance was measured before and after the temptation task.
Mood, arousal, and demographics were recorded as potential covariates.

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Main Results:

Autonomous self-control was associated with better subsequent performance compared to extrinsic self-control.
No significant effects of mood, arousal, or demographics on self-control or autonomy were found.
Feeling autonomous during self-control predicted better performance post-temptation.

Conclusions:

Autonomous motivation may preserve self-control resources, reducing depletion.
Feeling a sense of freedom enhances self-control effectiveness.
Understanding the interplay between autonomy and self-control has implications for various domains.