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Liberating effects of losing executive control
Evan P Apfelbaum1, Samuel R Sommers
1Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA. evan.apfelbaum@tufts.edu
Psychological Science
|January 28, 2009
Summary
When executive control resources are depleted, individuals may experience improved intergroup interactions. This suggests that sometimes, reduced self-regulation can lead to more positive social outcomes and open dialogue.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Decreased executive control is typically linked to negative outcomes.
- However, depleted self-regulatory resources may yield benefits when strategies are maladaptive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if executive control depletion can improve intergroup interactions.
- To test if resource depletion facilitates positive outcomes in contentious social contexts.
Main Methods:
- White participants engaged in discussions about campus diversity with White or Black partners.
- Participants performed a depleting or control computer task before the interaction.
Main Results:
- Depleted participants reported greater enjoyment and less inhibition during intergroup interactions.
- Black observers perceived depleted participants as less prejudiced.
- These findings suggest beneficial effects of resource depletion in this context.
Conclusions:
- Executive capacity, while typically beneficial, can sometimes hinder positive social outcomes.
- Resource depletion may facilitate more open dialogue on divisive social issues by reducing maladaptive self-regulation.
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