Can Ego-Depletion Be Helpful? Testing the Process Model Implication That Ego-Depletion Reduces Irrational Persistence

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe present research investigated the effect of state self-control on irrational persistence, which refers to pursuing a course of action beyond when the effort can no longer be justified given the cost of persisting and/or probability of success. In 3 studies, ego-depletion reduced the level of irrational persistence displayed by participants. In Study 1, ego-depleted participants were less tolerant of ineffective default computer settings that wasted their time. In Study 2, ego-depleted participants solved more anagrams than nondepleted participants when given only a limited amount of time to solve anagrams that ranged from easy to difficult and skipping was allowed. Study 3 conceptually replicate the effect of Study 2 but produced a smaller effect size.