The Strength Model of Self-Control

TLDR

Self‑control, a key to life success, relies on a limited resource and can be temporarily impaired by ego depletion, though motivational cues and blood glucose can mitigate these effects. Empirical studies confirm the strength model across eating, drinking, spending, sexuality, cognition, decision‑making, and interpersonal behavior.

Abstract

Self-control is a central function of the self and an important key to success in life. The exertion of self-control appears to depend on a limited resource. Just as a muscle gets tired from exertion, acts of self-control cause short-term impairments (ego depletion) in subsequent self-control, even on unrelated tasks. Research has supported the strength model in the domains of eating, drinking, spending, sexuality, intelligent thought, making choices, and interpersonal behavior. Motivational or framing factors can temporarily block the deleterious effects of being in a state of ego depletion. Blood glucose is an important component of the energy.