Abstract :
Exerting self-control appears to deplete a needed
resource, which leads to poorer self-control subsequently.
However, the amount of depletion may vary, based on how
controlling versus autonomy supportive the situation is. In
particular, feeling compelled to exert self-control may deplete
more strength than having more freedom when exerting selfcontrol.
In three experiments, participants who were given
performance contingent rewards to exert self-control performed
more poorly on a subsequent test of self-control than
participants whowere non-contingent rewards. There were no
differences in mood, arousal, or anxiety between the groups;
however, feelings of autonomy were related to self-control
performance. The results have implications for understanding
self-control depletion, as well as the impact of autonomous
motivation on self-control performance.
