An evolutionary perspective of poor self-control: self-control deficits associated with social power displays and strategic kin altruism

Abstract

The present research explored whether self-control deficits promote behaviors that may enhance Darwinian fitness, and examined the mechanisms by which these adaptive behaviors emerge. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive review of the self-regulation literature, evaluates previously proposed explanations for self-control failures, and details the costs and benefits of poor self-control. Chapter 2 introduces my social enhancement model of self-control deficits, in which I propose that the array of disinhibited behaviors adopted by people with low self-control may serve as signals of high social power. The model draws on research from self-regulation and social power literatures to provide a framework and testable predictions for future research. Chapter 3 includes three empirical studies that test the social enhancement model outlined in Chapter 2. Results showed that participants depleted of their self-control display behaviors associated with high social power, namely disinhibition and positive self-presentations (Study 1). Additionally, dating profiles manipulated to display low self-control were perceived as more powerful than high self-control profiles, and perceived self-control was found to negatively predict perceived social power (Study 2). Finally, during live, face-to-face interactions, perceived impulsivity and perceived disinhibition were found to predict increased perceptions of power amongst both conversation participants and independent observers (Study 3). Together, the results of Studies 1 to 3 suggest that a reduced capacity to regulate one’s behavior effectively may function to signal power in social contexts. Chapter 4 includes two studies that examine whether low self-control is associated with heroically intervening in situations where a family member is being threatened. Results showed that people depleted of their self-control, compared to non-depleted people, were more likely to help a family member whose life was threatened in a hypothetical scenario. However, depletion had no effect on helping non-family members facing the same threatening situation (Study 4). When people were asked about their past behavior, low trait self-control predicted stepping into arguments more often when a family member was threatened, but there was no relationship between self-control and intervening in arguments involving non-family members. The effect of self-control on altruism towards family was mediated by the stronger emotional reactions experienced by people with lower self-control (Study 5). The results of Studies 4 and 5 suggest that low self-control facilitates emotion-driven behaviors that may improve the survival chances of genetic relatives. Chapter 5 provides a discussion of the findings, their theoretical implications, and suggests directions for future research. In sum, the present research provides the first evidence that reduced behavioral control may contribute positively to inclusive fitness by promoting the ascension of social hierarchies (Studies 1 to 3) and the protection of kin from physical threats (Studies 4 and 5).