This document is a summary of the article titled 'The Strength Model of Self-Control' (Baumeister et al., 2007). This article is listed as the first of two essential readings for week 3 of the module 'Self-Regulation' (C8894) for the year 2021/2022. References of papers cited in this summary are na...
Inzlicht, M., Schmeichel, B. J., & Macrae, C. N. (2014). Why self-control seems (but
may not be) limited. Trends in cognitive sciences, 18(3), 127-133.
Key terms
Ego depletion – Period of time when individuals are briefly less successful at
performing self-control. (Page 127)
Self-control – Mental processes which allow individuals to alter their behaviour,
emotions and thoughts so they can reach their goals (1). (Page 127)
Glucose – Carbohydrate/sugar absorbed into the blood stream during digestion.
(Page 127)
Resource Model
The resource model argues that restraint is based on a limited resource or energy.
Performing self-control depletes this limited resource/energy, leading to ego
depletion. (Page 127)
When individuals engage in a motivationally demanding activity at the first task,
their performance will be diminished for the second task (Hagger et al., 2010).
(Page 128)
However, some researchers suggest that experiments explaining this model do
not observe resource depletion directly. (Page 128)
The only direct attempt to measure putative resource comes from work studying
glucose (Gailliot et al., 2007). (Page 128)
- This research argues that performing a motivationally demanding task will
lead to reductions in blood glucose, which then lead to reduced self-control,
and then ego depletion. (Page 128)
Process model of self-control depletion
This model integrates ideas from multiple theories, such as: (Page 128)
i. Opportunity cost model of performance (Kurzban et al., 2013)
ii. Labour/leisure trade-offs in cognitive control (Kool & Botvinick, 2012)
iii. Psychology of fatigue (Hockey, 2013)
Ultimate account: Model is based on evolutionary considerations which lead
organisms to prefer an optimal trade-off between exploitation and exploration
(Tooby & Cosmides, 2005) (Page 129)
Intermediate account: Labour economics: As time is limited, people prefer to
balance rewarding labour and rewarding leisure (Kagel et al., 1995) (Page 129)
Intermediate account: Even though individuals usually avoid hard work (Hull,
1943) and cognitive exertion (Kool et al., 2010), they be especially unmotivated to
engage if they have just finished working. (Page 129)
Proximate account: Initial acts of self-control lead to a shift in motivation, from
‘have-to’ to ‘want-to’. ‘Want-to’ tasks are completed because the individual feels
that they are enjoyable and meaningful. (Hockey et al., 2013) (Page 130)
- However, the distinction between ‘have-to’ and ‘want-to’ is not always clear
Depletion fuels desire (Hoffman et al., 2012)
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller HarrisRC. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.18. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
