High construal level enhances perceived self-control capacity in intrinsic but not extrinsic goals

Abstract

Construal level theory suggests that individuals with high construal level may experience greater self-control than those with low construal level when pursuing their goals. In the current research, we examined whether this effect would be moderated by goal content (i.e., intrinsic vs. extrinsic goals). Three studies adopting different designs revealed that construal level was positively associated with perceived self-control capacity only when individuals were pursuing relatively intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) goals. Moreover, Study 2 also showed that increased self-control capacity positively predicted goal attainment one week later. The current research extends previous work on construal level and sheds new light on the effective pursuit of goals.