Does Self-Control Training Improve Self-Control? A Meta-Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Self-control is linked to numerous positive life outcomes.
• Developing effective psychological interventions to enhance self-control is crucial for societal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of self-control training interventions.
• To investigate potential moderators influencing training effects and assess the robustness of findings.

Main Methods:

• A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on 33 studies comprising 158 effect sizes.
• Robust variance estimation was used, and bias-correction techniques were applied to address potential small-study effects and publication bias.

Main Results:

• A small-to-medium overall effect size (g = 0.30) was found for self-control training.
• Training effects were larger for self-control stamina, inactive control groups, males, and studies involving proponents of the strength model.
• Bias correction reduced effect size estimates (g = .13 to .24), suggesting publication bias or small-study effects.

Conclusions:

• While self-control training demonstrates a modest effect, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.
• Evidence does not conclusively support the repeated control of dominant responses as the key driver of training benefits.
• Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and ensure the generalizability of self-control training effects.