Systematic Literature Review on Importance of Limited Resource Model in Health-oriented Behaviours

Abstract

This article aims to review research on the relationship between self-control and health-oriented behaviours (healthy eating, physical exercise, smoking and alcohol abstinence) using the strength or limited resource model. The present work also aims to discuss alternative explanations for why initial acts of self-control impair subsequent adherence to health-oriented behaviours. The authors adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review. Database searches were performed to identify 25 articles, published in English from 2000 to 2020, that empirically tested the theory in the health domain. The available evidence supported the relationship between self-control and health-oriented behaviours, and the performance of health-oriented behaviours was found to reduce self-control resources. Mixed findings exist regarding the impact of a number of mediators and moderators in strengthening the relationship, and few studies have attempted to explain the mechanisms behind the controversial concept of ego depletion or the factors that can facilitate the performance of health behaviours under depletion conditions. Gaps in the reviewed studies were identified and the review highlighted the role of mediators and moderators. A decision-making framework is proposed (which can be tested in the future) to explain the role of dispositional self-control in health behaviours and how health behaviours can be facilitated, even in a state of low self-control.