Resisting Temptation: Tracking How Self-Control Conflicts Are Successfully Resolved in Real Time
Paul E. Stillman, Danila Medvedev, Melissa J. Ferguson
Psychological Science · 2017 · Volume 28 · Issue 9
Abstract
Across four studies, we used mouse tracking to identify the dynamic, on-line cognitive processes that underlie successful self-control decisions. First, we showed that individuals display real-time conflict when choosing options consistent with their long-term goal over short-term temptations. Second, we found that individuals who are more successful at self-control—whether measured or manipulated—show significantly less real-time conflict in only self-control-relevant choices. Third, we demonstrated that successful individuals who choose a long-term goal over a short-term temptation display movements that are smooth rather than abrupt, which suggests dynamic rather than stage-based resolution of self-control conflicts. These findings have important implications for contemporary theories of self-control.
Keywords
self-control, social cognition, goals, cognitive processes, open data, open materials
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