Applications

We have found that self-control strength is critical to the success of many activities. Moreover, we have found evidence that self-control strength is consumed as individuals fight everyday temptations, which may undermine their ability to resist other temptations. For instance, social drinkers whose self-control strength was depleted consumed more alcohol as compared to social drinkers who were not depleted. Conversely, social drinkers who had to resist the temptation of drinking performed more poorly on subsequent tests of self-control that we unrelated to drinking. A study of underage drinkers using ecological momentary assessment (they reported their drinking on palm pilots over a two-week period) confirmed these findings-they drank more on days when they had more self-control demands.

We have also found that depleted individuals are more likely to cheat on tests, use stereotypes, eat to excess, and otherwise engage in social inappropriate or maladaptive behavior. Our ongoing research continues to examine these applications of self-control strength, in the hopes of better understanding why self-control breaks down and to eventually lead to programs to improve self-control.