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Believing willpower is limited harms subjective well-being and goal progress. This research shows that limited willpower theories negatively impact self-control, goal striving, and overall happiness.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Self-Regulation

Background:

  • Lay theories of willpower, specifically viewing it as a limited resource, influence self-control and goal pursuit.
  • Understanding the impact of these theories on subjective well-being is crucial for psychological health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between willpower theories and subjective well-being.
  • To examine if willpower beliefs shape personal goal progress and influence well-being.

Main Methods:

  • Three studies were conducted: one cross-sectional and two longitudinal.
  • Participants' willpower theories and subjective well-being were measured.
  • Study 3 additionally assessed goal striving and personal goal progress.

Main Results:

  • A limited willpower theory was associated with lower subjective well-being in working adults.
  • Limited willpower beliefs predicted lower well-being in students during high self-regulatory periods.
  • Personal goal progress mediated the link between limited willpower theories and well-being in Study 3.

Conclusions:

  • The belief that willpower is a finite resource negatively affects self-control.
  • Limited willpower theories have detrimental implications for personal goal striving and subjective well-being.
  • Interventions promoting a nonlimited view of willpower may enhance psychological health and goal achievement.