The Role of Ego Depletion in Goal Pursuit: A Construal-level Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1143-1156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Wenjing Lyu ◽  
Changqing Lai ◽  
Jin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Goal Pursuit ◽  
Ego Depletion ◽  
Construal Level Theory ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Construal Level ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
Preference Experiment

We conducted 2 experiments to explore whether or not ego depletion from exerting prior self-control lowers an individual's construal level and thus, in turn, affects the individual's goal preference. Experiment 1 (N = 132) involved a 2 (ego depletion: present vs. absent) × 2 (priming-focus feature: temporality vs. probability) between-subject design. The results showed that people whose ego was depleted from exerting prior self-control would be more motivated to pursue a temporally proximal uncertain goal than were those whose ego was not depleted. In Experiment 2 (N = 138) we used a 2 (ego depletion: present vs. absent) × 2 (social distance of the goal being pursued: for self vs. for others) between-subject design to test the generalizability of the finding in Experiment 1. The results showed that people whose ego was depleted would be motivated to pursue a goal that was certain with a lower end value, especially when setting a goal for others. Our finding that ego depletion lowered individuals' construal level and, thus, made them focus more on subordinate features of a goal supports both self-control theory and construal-level theory.

Psychological Distance Promotes Exploration in Search of a Global Maximum

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Yudkin
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Behavior ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Local Maximum ◽  
Psychological Distance ◽  
Construal Level Theory ◽  
Global Maximum ◽  
Construal Level ◽  
Direct Association ◽  
Decision Structure

Agents must sometimes decide whether to exploit a known resource or search for potentially more profitable options. Here, we investigate the role of psychological distancing in promoting exploratory behavior. We argue that exploration dilemmas pit the value of a reward (“desirability”) against the difficulty or uncertainty of obtaining it (“feasibility”). Based on construal level theory, which suggests that psychological distance increases the importance of rewards’ desirability (versus feasibility), we expect that psychological distance will increase exploration. Two pretests and three experiments support this prediction. Pretests A and B confirm that exploration dilemmas conform to the feasibility/desirability decision structure. In Experiment 1, participants who were prompted to consider an exploration game from a physically distanced perspective were more likely to leave a local maximum in search of a global maximum. Experiments 2 and 3 show that social distance has similar results. Experiment 4 finds evidence of a direct association between construal mindset and exploration. Overall, this research highlights how psychological distancing strategies can promote exploration.

Psychological Distance Promotes Exploration in Search of a Global Maximum

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Yudkin ◽  
Rotem Pick ◽  
Elina Yewon Hur ◽  
Nira Liberman ◽  
Yaacov Trope
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Behavior ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Local Maximum ◽  
Psychological Distance ◽  
Construal Level Theory ◽  
Global Maximum ◽  
Construal Level ◽  
Direct Association ◽  
Mind Set

Agents must sometimes decide whether to exploit a known resource or search for potentially more profitable options. Here, we investigate the role of psychological distancing in promoting exploratory behavior. We argue that exploration dilemmas pit the value of a reward (“desirability”) against the difficulty or uncertainty of obtaining it (“feasibility”). Based on construal level theory, which suggests that psychological distance increases the importance of rewards’ desirability (vs. feasibility), we expect that psychological distance will increase exploration. Four experiments support this prediction. In Experiment 1, participants who were prompted to consider an exploration game from a physically distanced perspective were more likely to leave a local maximum in search of a global maximum. Experiments 2 and 3 show that social distance has similar results. Experiment 4 finds evidence of a direct association between construal mind-set and exploration. Overall, this research highlights how psychological distancing strategies can promote exploration.

Examining the Role of Power-Control Theory and Self-Control to Account for Computer Hacking

2020 ◽  
pp. 001112872098189
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Holt ◽  
Kevin F. Steinmetz
Keyword(s):  
Gender Difference ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Power Control ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Criminological Theory ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Computer Hacking ◽  
Using Data

Criminological inquiry consistently identifies a gender difference in offending rates, which are also evident among certain forms of cybercrime. The gender difference in cybercrime offending is particularly large within computer hacking, though few have specifically addressed this issue through applications of criminological theory. The current study attempted to account for the gender disparity in hacking through a test of power-control theory, which considers the role of class and family structure. This analysis also incorporated an extension of power-control theory through the influence of low self-control. Using data from the Second International Self-Report of Delinquency study (ISRD-2), logistic regression analyses were estimated, producing partial support for both theories to account for hacking. Implications for theory and research were explored in detail.

Abstract Construal Level and its Link to Self-Control and to Cross-Situational Consistency in Self-Concept: Predicting Health-Risk Behavioral Intentions

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itziar Fernández ◽  
Amparo Caballero ◽  
Dolores Muñoz ◽  
Pilar Aguilar ◽  
Pilar Carrera
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Construal Level Theory ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Construal Level ◽  
Action Identification ◽  
Levels Of Abstraction ◽  
Sugar Intake ◽  
Identification Theory

AbstractFrom a dispositional perspective, we extend the action identification theory (Vallacher & Wegner, 1987) and construal level theory (Trope & Liberman, 2003) to cross-situational consistency of self and self-control. Two studies examined the relationships among the abstract mindset (Vallacher & Wegner, 1989), cross-situational consistency in self-concept (Vignoles et al., 2016), and self-control (Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone 2004). In Study 1, participants (N = 725) characterized by high cross-situational consistency showed more abstraction in their thinking (p < .001, ηp2 = .17). In Study 2 (N = 244) cross-situational consistency and self-control explained 10% of construal level, with self-control being a significant predictor (p < .001). Construal level and cross-situational consistency explained 17% of self-control; both were significant predictors (p < .001). Self-control explained 8% of cross-situational consistency (p < .001). Study 2 showed that participants with higher levels of abstraction, cross-situational consistency, and self-control reported a greater intention to control their future sugar intake (p < .001). Data supported relationships among abstract construal level, cross-situational consistency and self-control.

scholarly journals Effects of Self-Control on Subjective Well-Being: Examining the Moderating Role of Trait and State Motivation

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guojun Zhao ◽  
Fusen Xie ◽  
Yuchen Luo ◽  
Yixuan Liu ◽  
Yuan Chong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Ego Depletion ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
State Motivation ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Moderating Role

It is well documented that self-control has a positive effect on individuals’ subjective well-being. However, little research has focused on the moderators underlying this relationship. The present research used two studies to examine the moderating role of both trait and state motivation on the relationship between self-control and subjective well-being using psychometric and experimental models, respectively. In Study 1, we explored whether trait motivation (including promotion vs. prevention motivation) moderated the relationship between trait self-control and subjective well-being using a psychometric model. In Study 2, we examined the moderating effects of both trait and state motivation on the effect of state self-control (measured via ego depletion) on subjective well-being using an experimental model. Our results indicated that self-control had a positive effect on subjective well-being, with this relationship being primarily moderated by prevention motivation. When state and trait prevention motivations were congruent, self-control had the most obvious impact on subjective well-being. This study suggests that current understandings around the association between self-control and happiness is limited, implying that motivation should be the focus of future research.

The influence of leader empowerment behaviour on employee creativity

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 2681-2703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuemei Liu ◽  
Zhiwei Zhu ◽  
Zheng Liu ◽  
Chunyan Fu
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Construal Level Theory ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Construal Level ◽  
Employee Creativity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study, based on construal level theory, aims to examine the influential mechanism of leader empowerment behaviour on employee creativity. Specifically, it examines the mediating role of cognitive flexibility between leader empowerment behaviour and employee creativity, along with the moderating effect of consideration of future consequences (CFC) on this linkage.Design/methodology/approachA two time-point survey study (n = 214) was conducted to collect information from leaders and employees in terms of mutual evaluation in several Chinese industries. To effectively avoid common source bias, this survey was conducted through pairing leaders and employees. During the survey, the supervisors and subordinates were double-blinded. Correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsFirstly, leader empowerment behaviour can significantly predict employee creativity. Second, cognitive flexibility plays a partial mediating role in the linkage between leader empowerment behaviour and employee creativity. Thirdly, CFC moderates the relationship between leadership empowerment behaviour and cognitive flexibility. The mediating role of cognitive flexibility underlies the overall moderating effect of CFC on the relationship between leader empowerment behaviour and employee creativity.Research limitations/implicationsWe used construal level theory to explain the influence of the mechanism of leader empowerment behaviour on employee creativity. In this manner, this study bridges the gap between theory and practice, as well as enriching the research on leader empowerment behaviour and employee creativity, especially in the Chinese context. Moreover, our study has several practical managerial implications, based on the importance of employee creativity. It inspires the implementation of leader empowerment behaviour, cultivation of employee creativity and introduction of several procedures.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the influential mechanism of leader empowerment behaviour on employee creativity from a new perspective and explains the process of encouraging employee creativity through information-processing methods. It mainly highlights the application of construal level theory to discuss employee creativity and develops a new research frame for employee creativity. Leaders can raise employee creativity through leader empowerment behaviour.

Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Gottfredson ◽  
Travis Hirschi
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Social Control Theory ◽  
Modern Control Theory ◽  
Criminal Sanctions ◽  
Course Outcomes ◽  
Modern Control

Modern Control Theory and the Limits of Criminal Justice updates and extends the authors’ classic general theory of crime (sometimes referred to as “self-control theory”). In Part I, contemporary evidence about the theory is summarized. Research from criminology, psychology, economics, education, and public health substantially supports the lifelong influence of self control as a significant cause of problem behaviors, including delinquency and crime, substance abuse, school problems, many forms of accidents, employment instability, and many poor health outcomes. Contemporary evidence is supportive of the theory’s focus on early socialization for creation of higher levels of self control and other dimensions of the theory, including the roles of self control, age and the generality or versatility of problem behaviors, as well as the connections between self control and later teen and adult problem behaviors. The book provides methodological assessments of research on the theory, contrasting the control theory perspective with other developmental perspectives in criminology. The role of opportunity, the relationship between self and social control theory, and the role of motivation are addressed. In Part II, control theory is taken to be a valid theory and is used to explore the role of criminal sanctions, especially policing and prisons, and policies about immigration, as methods to impact crime. Modern control theory provides an explanation for the general lack of effectiveness of formal, state sanctions on crime and instead provides substantial justification for prevention of delinquency and crime by a focus on childhood. The theory effectively demonstrates the limits of criminal sanctions and the connection between higher levels of self control and positive life-course outcomes.

The Effect of Public Social Context on Self-Control

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liad Uziel ◽  
Roy F. Baumeister
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Impression Management ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Ego Depletion ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
The Public ◽  
Control Study

The present study explores the role of personality in moderating the effect of public social context on self-control. The authors predicted that in public settings neuroticism would be associated with ego-depletion effects and individual differences in impression management (IM) would be associated with restoration effects. Three experiments supported the hypothesis. In Study 1 neuroticism was associated with impaired self-control and IM was associated with enhanced self-control following an initial phase of working on a simple task in public (vs. in private). Study 2 replicated and extended these results to other domains of self-control. Study 3 explored whether public social context can cancel out early depletion effects. In this study, depleted participants engaged in a task that required self-control either alone or in public. As expected, the public settings were associated with restored self-control resources mostly among high IM individuals. Implications for self-control, neuroticism, and IM are discussed.

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