Abstract
Self-control operates as a limited resource — prior regulatory exertion depletes subsequent self-control capacity across four studies (Muraven, Tice, & Baumeister, 1998).
Muraven, M., Tice, D. M., & Baumeister, R. F. (1998). Self-control as a limited resource: Regulatory depletion patterns. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(3), 774–789. DOI
Key findings
- Strength model: — Self-regulation conforms to an energy/strength model — prior exertion impairs subsequent self-control.
- Cross-domain depletion: — Emotional regulation, thought suppression, and expression control each depleted unrelated subsequent tasks (stamina, anagrams, amusement suppression).
Application
When after suppressing emotional reactions during a difficult meeting, a manager eats impulsively at lunch — prior self-control exertion depleted the resource needed for dietary regulation — open this cite for the study behind the move.