Self-control Capacity Research Articles

Daily Experiences of Commuting Strain and Self-Control at Work and at Home

Abstract. The study investigates how commuting strain affects daily self-control capacities at work and at home. Irritability (i.e., increased readiness to express negative emotions when facing frustration) and concentration (i.e., a cognitive control capacity that relies on attention) were used as indicators of (impaired) self-control. Based on 5-day diary data from N = 185 train commuters, we found that on days with a strenuous ride from home to work, commuters indicated higher irritability and lower concentration capacity at work. On days with higher strain during the work-to-home ride, commuters reported to be more irritable back home. Moreover, commuters with low emotional stability turned out to be more affected by commuting strain but only if considering self-control impairment at home.

From cheery to "cheers"? Regulating emotions at work and alcohol consumption after work.

Emotional labor, or regulating emotions as part of one's work role, is needed for performance yet may come with far-reaching costs to employee health and performance. Based on ego depletion theorizing, we propose that on days employees perform more surface acting (i.e., faking positive and hiding negative emotional expressions), they will consume more alcohol later-due to reduced self-control (i.e., depletion). In 2 studies, public-facing employees completed multiple assessments per day for 2 weeks. Study 1 showed that surface acting had no direct or indirect effect on alcohol use via depletion, nor via negative mood as an alternative measure of depletion. Study 2 demonstrated that surface acting directly increased subsequent drinking only for those with high emotional demands, but not through depletion. Across both studies, daily deep acting (i.e., modifying emotions to feel positive) consistently predicted less alcohol consumption, but this did not occur through depletion. Study 2 provided evidence for an alternative, motivational shift explanation-a reduced motive to detach from work after regulating by deep acting-rather than self-control capacity. These findings contribute to debate on ego depletion theory by providing insightful field evidence, while demonstrating when emotional labor is likely to help or harm employees' health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The Power of Food: Self-control moderates the association of hedonic hunger with overeating, snacking frequency and palatable food intake

The purpose of the study was to explore whether self-control moderates the associations between hedonic hunger and overeating frequency, snacking frequency and palatable food intake. Data from the first wave of the Swiss Food Panel 2.0 study was analyzed (N = 4774), from the German- and French-speaking part of Switzerland (52% men). Measures included hedonic hunger assessed with the Power of Food Scale (PFS), the short form Self-Control Scale, overeating frequency, snacking frequency, intake of high-fat salty snack foods, and intake of high-sugar foods assessed with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Higher scores on the PFS and lower self-control capacities were correlated with higher intakes of both high-fat salty snack foods and high-sugar foods (referred to here as palatable foods), higher overeating frequency and higher snacking frequency. Four separate moderation analyses revealed that the positive associations of hedonic hunger with overeating frequency, snacking frequency and palatable food intake were significantly attenuated by self-control. Results of the present study indicate that people who are highly sensitive to the ready availability of palatable foods but also have high levels of self-control exhibit less frequent overeating and snacking, including less frequent intake of unhealthy palatable foods, than those low in self-control. Consequently, self-control may prevent overeating and thus may serve as a protective factor that decreases the risk of becoming overweight in individuals who are highly sensitive to the food environment.

Uncoveringthe cellular capacity for intensive and specific feedback self-control of the argonautes and MicroRNA targeting activity.

The miRNA pathway has three segments—biogenesis, targeting and downstream regulatory effectors. We aimed to better understand their cellular control by exploring the miRNA-mRNA-targeting relationships. We first used human evolutionarily conserved sites. Strikingly, AGOs 1–3 are all among the top 14 mRNAs with the highest miRNA site counts, along with ANKRD52, the phosphatase regulatory subunit of the recently identified AGO phosphorylation cycle; and the AGO phosphorylation cycle mRNAs share much more than expected miRNA sites. The mRNAs for TNRC6, which acts with AGOs to channel miRNA-mediated regulatory actions onto specific mRNAs, are also heavily miRNA-targeted. In contrast, upstream miRNA biogenesis mRNAs are not, and neither are downstream regulatory effectors. In short, binding site enrichment in miRNA targeting machinery mRNAs, but neither upstream biogenesis nor downstream effector mRNAs, was observed, endowing a cellular capacity for intensive and specific feedback control of the targeting activity. The pattern was confirmed with experimentally determined miRNA-mRNA target relationships. Moreover, genetic experiments demonstrated cellular utilization of this capacity. Thus, we uncovered a capacity for intensive, and specific, feedback-regulation of miRNA targeting activity directly by miRNAs themselves, i.e. segment-specific feedback auto-regulation of miRNA pathway, complementing miRNAs pairing with transcription factors to form hybrid feedback-loop.

How to Form Good Habits? A Longitudinal Field Study on the Role of Self-Control in Habit Formation.

When striving for long-term goals (e.g., healthy eating, saving money, reducing energy consumption, or maintaining interpersonal relationships), people often get in conflict with their short-term goals (e.g., enjoying tempting snacks, purchasing must-haves, getting warm, or watching YouTube video’s). Previous research suggests that people who are successful in controlling their behavior in line with their long-term goals rely on effortless strategies, such as good habits. In the present study, we aimed to track how self-control capacity affects the development of good habits in real life over a period of 90 days. Results indicated that habit formation increased substantially over the course of three months, especially for participants who consistently performed the desired behavior during this time. Contrary to our expectations, however, self-control capacity did not seem to affect the habit formation process. Directions for future research on self-control and other potential moderators in the formation of good habits are discussed.

German Adaptation of the Subjective Vitality Scales (SVS-G)

AbstractSubjective vitality is a positive feeling of aliveness and energy, and it is a crucial aspect of well-being. The Subjective Vitality Scales (SVS) have been developed to measure subjective vitality both at the individual difference level and the state level in English-speaking samples. We translated the SVS into German (the SVS-G) and examined their psychometric properties. In Study 1 (N=260), we found that two correlated factors (Factor 1: individual difference level; Factor 2: state level) with five items each constituted a useful structure for the SVS-G. Moreover, the scores on the individual difference scale were more stable than the scores on the state scale. We also found partial evidence for the measurement invariance over a period of three weeks. Conforming to our expectations, Study 2 (N=296) revealed that the SVS-G scores were related to positive and negative affect but could still be distinguished from the affect variables. In line with previous findings, Study 3 (N=203) showed that SVS-G scores are related to well-being variables (happiness and joviality) and the perceived capacity to actively perform effortful tasks (attentiveness and capacity for self-control). Across all the studies, the SVS-G showed satisfying inner consistency, and the two consideration levels (individual differences vs. state) could be differentiated. The initial evidence suggests that overall, the SVS-G have good psychometric properties.

The Role of Morality and Self-Control in Conditioning the Criminogenic Effect of Provocation. A Partial Test of Situational Action Theory

ABSTRACT The role of motivation has been widely neglected in criminological research. One general framework that sheds light on the processes governing whether crime is perceived and chosen as a response to a given motivation is Situational Action Theory (SAT). The theory posits that experiences of temptation and provocation lead to criminal activity especially in the presence of weak personal moral rules and poor ability to exercise self-control. Based on a longitudinal crime survey conducted among adolescents in Austria, the current study examines whether an individual’s moral rules and his or her level of self-control condition the effect of provocation on criminal involvement. Results show that various measures of provocation increase offending and that provocation is more likely to translate into criminal behavior when individuals hold weak law-consistent moral rules. Further, the capacity for self-control affects the choice of a response to provocation particularly among adolescents with weak law-consistent morality – the underlying assumption being that weak moral rules facilitate the perception of crime as a viable action alternative. Such a three-way interaction is compatible with SAT’s reflections on the functioning of the moral filter and the conditional relevance of controls.

The Kantian Capacity for Moral Self-Control: Abstraction at Two Levels

Abstract As a rule, the Kantian capacity for self-control is interpreted as a kind of tool for compelling ourselves to act on the basis of the maxims we have adopted. To the extent that we merely acknowledge its role in following already-adopted maxims, however, we fail to capture the distinctive aspect of moral self-control identified by Kant. In this paper, I propose a fuller account of the Kantian capacity for moral self-control; I do so mainly by analyzing this capacity as our ability to “abstract from” various sensible impressions. This analysis shows that Kant’s conception of moral self-control involves two intimately related levels, which are subject to different criteria. Whereas the first level is connected to our ability to adopt moral maxims and requires that we abstract from all sensible impressions, the second is associated with our ability to follow these maxims and does not necessarily require this radical abstraction.

The Temporal Ordering of Motivation and Self-Control: A Cross-Lagged Effects Model.

Mechanisms leading to cognitive energy depletion in performance settings such as high-level sports highlight likely associations between individuals' self-control capacity and their motivation. Investigating the temporal ordering of these concepts combining self-determination theory and psychosocial self-control theories, the authors hypothesized that athletes' self-control capacity would be more influenced by their motivation than vice versa and that autonomous and controlled types of motivation would predict self-control capacity positively and negatively, respectively. High-level winter-sport athletes from Norwegian elite sport colleges (N = 321; 16-20 years) consented to participate. Using Bayesian structural equation modeling and 3-wave analyses, findings revealed credible self-control → motivation → self-control cross-lagged effects. Athletes' trait self-control especially initiated the temporal ordering of the least controlled types of motivation (i.e.,intrinsic, integrated, and amotivation). Findings indicate that practicing self-control competencies and promoting athletes' autonomous types of motivation are important components in the development toward the elite level. These components will help athletes maintain their persistent goal striving by increasing the value and inherent satisfaction of the development process, avoiding the debilitating effects of self-control depletion and exhaustion.

Self-control during daily work activities and work-to-nonwork conflict

Drawing on theories of self-regulation we propose that the nature of the activities performed at work, particularly those requiring self-control, can play an important role in the work-to-nonwork conflict process. We argue that because functional nonwork behavior requires continued self-control after work, occurrences of work-to-nonwork conflict will be more likely when one's limited self-control resources are expended during the day, and incidents of subsequent self-control failure in relation to the nonwork domain become more likely. We test hypotheses via a daily diary study, capturing the timing of different activities across a workday, along with independent ratings of how much self-control the activities require. We find, at the within-person level, that the extent that work activities performed that day require selfcontrol explains variance in work-to-nonwork conflict, beyond the effects of work hours and mediated by depleted state self-control capacity after work. Furthermore, afternoon self-controlled work activities, compared to morning, are more strongly associated with work-to-nonwork conflict. Against our hypothesis, low sleep quantity weakened the association between self-controlled work activities and self-control capacity. We discuss our findings in relation to the utility of self-regulation approaches to work-to-nonwork conflict based on the self-control strength model.

Expertises judiciaires au pénal dans le contexte des désignations par le tribunal correctionnel

Transgressive antisocial acts, which are committed in particular by adolescents and young adults, are more frequent today in France, because the way of life in this changing world has been modified technologically, economically and ethically. This is due maybe to a widening of exchanges and the dissemination of transgressive images through social networks. In France, judges are increasingly calling on psychiatric experts for crimes. This recourse is even compulsory for subjects placed under the protection of justice. Conceptual psychoanalytic data allowed a better assessment of the psychopathological traits affecting the personality of the offenders. The psychiatrist who has to carry out forensic examinations must take into account the psychopathological aspects, personality traits and mixed symptomatology, as well as impulsive acts, aggression, violent affects, borderline states, sociopathic organization and addictions. He/she should also consider the determinism of their actions and the role of interactions with those around them. The goal the psychiatrists must be between protecting and caring before punishing. Courts want to better understand the mechanism of action (often impulsive) but also the nature of the care project promoting rehabilitation. Courts are concerned about the capacity for discernment and self-control, but also about the risk of recidivism.

Kant’s Conception of Moral Strength

AbstractMost scholars assume that Kantian moral strength is needed only when it comes to following maxims. However, accounts based on this assumption can be challenged by Kant’s claim that virtue, as moral strength of the human will, can never become a habit because its maxims must be freely adopted in new situations. Even some accounts that are not based on this assumption fail to meet this challenge. By drawing on my interpretation of the Kantian capacity for self-control, I propose a twofold account of moral strength that can accommodate Kant’s point that maxims of virtue must always be freely adopted.

Sense of Identity and Self-Control

This study addressed the role of a sense of personal identity as a self-regulatory mechanism that facilitates congruence and coherence of goals that people set for themselves and thereby enhances their capacity to exert self-control. A total of 489 young adults completed a packet of questionnaires that assessed basic dimensions of sense of identity, congruence and coherence of goals, and self-control capacity. Direct and indirect paths of a sense of identity on self-control were examined using structural equation modelling. The proposed model was, for the most part, supported by data. It should be noted, however, that the mediation effects were fairly small, and the sense of identity had a direct predictive effect on self-control over and above congruence and coherence of goals.

I'm tired and feel like drinking: Viewing alcohol cues after exerting self-control increases approach motivation among individuals lower in alcohol sensitivity.

Exerting self-control depletes capacity for future self-control, which can promote greater alcohol use. However, certain populations may be more susceptible to these effects of depleted self-control capacity. For example, individuals with lower alcohol sensitivity (i.e., requiring more drinks to experience the effects of alcohol) are a high-risk group who are likely to engage in hazardous alcohol use and develop an alcohol use disorder. Those lower in alcohol sensitivity also exhibit heightened motivational reactivity in response to alcohol-related cues, which may be enhanced following exertion of self-control. However, whether drinkers lower in alcohol sensitivity are at higher risk for exhibiting greater motivations toward alcohol-related cues after exerting self-control is unclear. The current research examined the role of alcohol sensitivity in predicting approach motivation following exertion of self-control. It was expected drinkers exerting self-control would exhibit greater orientation toward rewarding cues, particularly after viewing alcohol-related cues. However, we predicted this pattern would be most prominent among drinkers lower in alcohol sensitivity. Experiment 1 supported these hypotheses, with lower alcohol sensitivity predicting greater approach motivation among drinkers required to exert self-control prior to viewing alcohol-related compared to neutral cues. Experiment 2 aimed to replicate these findings by assessing asymmetrical frontal cortical activation, an index of approach motivation. Drinkers with lower alcohol sensitivity exhibited greater relative left frontal cortical activation, consistent with approach motivation, while viewing alcohol-related cues following exertion of self-control. Results have implications for interventions aimed at identifying those at risk for greater alcohol motivations during states of mental exhaustion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Just Do It: Engaging in Self-Control on a Daily Basis Improves the Capacity for Self-Control

Supplemental Material for Just Do It: Engaging in Self-Control on a Daily Basis Improves the Capacity for Self-Control

The Interaction Between Self-Control and Perceived Sanction Risk: An Analysis From the Viewpoint of Different Theories

The present article studies the interplay of self-control and perceived sanction risk in crime causation. Several hypotheses are formulated. The General Theory of Crime suggests that sanction certainty effects are greater for individuals of high self-control. Their inability to devote thought to the negative long-term consequences of their behavior renders persons characterized by low self-control immune to the risk of formal punishment. From Situational Action Theory (SAT), it follows that sanction certainty effects are larger for persons with low self-control ability. Individuals with a poor capacity for self-control will more often feel tempted to engage in criminal behavior, which brings perceived sanction risk into play as a potential deterrent. The theory’s emphasis on the moral filter as a determinant of the nature of the perceived action alternatives implies additionally that the self-control/deterrence interaction may be stronger for those holding weak law-consistent moral beliefs. The various hypotheses are tested using longitudinal data from the British Peterborough Adolescent and Young Adult Development Study. Results provide more support for the propositions derived from SAT. An individual’s level of self-control conditions the impact of perceived sanction risk, with sanction certainty estimates being most influential among adolescents of low self-control. There is also some indication of a three-way interaction according to which the observed interplay of self-control and deterrence is most pronounced among persons characterized by weak morality.

The Expression of Ego Depletion

Abstract. Is depleted self-control capacity detectable from thin slices of behavior? In four video-conditions (early-depleted; early-non-depleted; late-depleted; late-non-depleted) untrained observers rated target persons’ available self-control capacity in Experiments 1 and 2 (without sound) and in terms of fatigue and negative affect (Experiment 3). Videos were analyzed with Noldus FaceReader software (Experiment 4). Ego depletion could reliably be detected from thin slices of behavior. Nonverbal expressions coinciding with ego depletion are associated with cues signaling momentary levels of self-control capacity, fatigue, and some negative affective states. FaceReader analyses indicated that facial expressions coinciding with ego depletion are subtle and are extractable from facial dynamics rather than expression intensities. Results indicate that self-control depletion might not only have intrapersonal effects, but also interpersonal effects.

Time to Set a New Research Agenda for Ego Depletion and Self-Control

The conceptualization of self-control capacity as a domain-general limited resource, and the accompanying state of low self-control resource, known as the ego depletion effect, has received considerable attention in social psychology literature. The effect has also been widely publicized in popular media largely due to its elegant simplicity and intuitive appeal. Since its inception (Baumeister, Bratslavsky, Muraven, & Tice, 1998; Muraven, Tice, & Baumeister, 1998), the ego depletion effect has been a “hot” topic of research and has stimulated hundreds of laboratory studies to test the effect (Hagger, Wood, Stiff, & Chatzisarantis, 2010).

Relationship of Perceived Parenting Styles with Self-Control Capacity and Affective Self-Regulation Among Delinquent Adolescents

Background: The type of parent’s child rearing and the perception of problems by adolescents are one of the important reasons for the formation of inappropriate behavior and delinquency in adolescents. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship of perceived parenting styles with self-control capacity and affective self-regulation among delinquent adolencents. Materials & Methods: The research type was descriptive-correlational. The population of this study included all delinquent adolescents (N=94) from the Guilan Provincial Reconstruction and Upbringing Center and temporary detention centers in 2017-2018. Seventy-three adolescents were selected and completed the Parenting Style Inventory (PSI), Tangney Self-Control Scale (TSCS) and Measure of Affect Regulation Styles (MARS). The data were processed using Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analyses by SPSS V. 22 software. Results: Regression analysis indicated that authoritative parenting style positively (β=0.906, P<0.001) and authoritarian parenting style negatively (β=-0.537, P<0.001) 38% of the changes were predicted in the SCS among delinquent adolencents (F=20.511. P<0.001). Also, the authoritative parenting style negatively (β=-0.641, P<0.001) 41% of the changes were predicted in the MARS among delinquent adolencents (F=47.543, P<0.001). The permissive parenting style was not statistically significant in any of the regression analyses (P>0.05). Conclusion: Parenting styles have an effective role in the emergence and inhibition of delinquent behavior. It seems that authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles respectively play a role in improving and weakening self-control capacity and affective self-regulation in delinquent behavior among adolencents boys.

Out of Control: Examining the Association Between Family Conflict and Self-Control in Adolescence in a Genetically Sensitive Design

Family conflict is associated with low self-control in adolescence. Thus far research about the direction of this association is inconclusive. In this study, we sort out whether this association reflects a causal effect or whether it is explained by a common underlying cause, including genetic factors. In twin data, we fitted a series of causal models, and compared models for the association of family conflict and self-control including reciprocal causation, unidirectional causation from family conflict to low self-control, unidirectional causation from low self-control to family conflict, and common genetic susceptibility. We included data from a large sample of twins aged 14 years (N= 9,173), all enrolled in the Netherlands Twin Register. The results suggested a unidirectional pathway model in which family conflict leads to low self-control in adolescence, with genetic factors also playing a role in explaining the association. Adolescents experiencing family conflict are at risk for showing hampered self-control capacities, with family conflict being a robust predictor of low self-control through common genetic factors but also through direct causal influences.