Self-regulatory strength amplification through selective information processing

Remi Trudel, Kyle B. Murray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate that although depletion of self-regulatory strength is common, it is not inevitable. Four experiments show that under certain conditions, consumers can amplify their self-regulatory strength and, as a result, increase their ability to control their behavior. Experiments 1-3 examine the depleting effects of information processing by exposing dieters and nondieters to either cost or pleasure information about chocolate. The results of experiments 1-3 show that when dieters have the ability to monitor the costs of consumption, they are motivated to mobilize additional strength and increase their ability to self-regulate. In experiment 4 we show the practical implications of our work and show that dieters are better able to control their eating because they choose to focus more on the cost (versus pleasure) of consumption.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-73
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ego depletion
  • Information processing
  • Nutrition labeling
  • Regulatory-strength
  • Resources
  • Self-regulation

Cite this