Abstract
The strength model of self-control assumes that all acts of self-control (e.g., emotion regulation, persistence) are empowered by a single global metaphorical strength that has limited capacity. This strength can become temporarily depleted after a primary self-control act, which, in turn, can impair performance in subsequent acts of self-control. Recently, the assumptions of the strength model of self-control also have been adopted and tested in the field of sport and exercise psychology. The present review paper aims to give an overview of recent developments in self-control research based on the strength model of self-control. Furthermore, recent research on interventions on how to improve and revitalize self-control strength will be presented. Finally, the strength model of self-control has been criticized lately, as well as expanded in scope, so the present paper will also discuss alternative explanations of why previous acts of self-control can lead to impaired performance in sport and exercise.
Highlights
The strength model of self-control assumes that all acts of self-control are empowered by a single global metaphorical strength that has limited capacity
Taking the previous results together, ego depletion may explain the inconsistent database on the anxiety–performance relationship in sports (e.g., Craft et al, 2003; Woodman and Hardy, 2003; Behan and Wilson, 2008; Wilson et al, 2009): With temporarily available self-control strength, athletes can counteract the negative effects of anxiety on attention regulation and can keep up their performance
The strength model of self-control (e.g., Baumeister et al, 1994) offers potential explanations of why athletes sometimes choke under pressure (e.g., Englert and Bertrams, 2012), can be less persistent in straining physical exercises (e.g., Bray et al, 2008), have difficulties regulating their impulses (e.g., McEwan et al, 2013), or do not always adhere to their exercise routines (e.g., Martin Ginis and Bray, 2010)
Summary
The present review paper aims to give an overview of recent developments in self-control research based on the strength model of self-control. This paper aims at discussing research questions regarding the validity of the strength model of self-control which have recently opened up and to introduce alternative theoretical models to explain impaired self-control performance following a primary self-control act. To test the assumptions of the strength model of self-control, researchers are mostly applying the so-called two-task paradigm (e.g., Baumeister et al, 1994) Within this experimental approach, participants are randomly assigned to a depletion condition or a control condition. It is important to keep in mind that the effect of ego depletion is not domain specific, meaning that the primary self-control task may require a different form of self-control than will the secondary selfcontrol task (e.g., Baumeister et al, 1998).
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