The mediational role of self-control strategies, motivational factors and behavioral resistance in the relationship between trait self-control and goal progress

Abstract

Background: Previous research suggests that people high in trait self-control are successful in resisting impulses because they are better at effortful inhibition than people lower in trait self-control. However, recent insights reveal that people higher in trait self-control exert self-control quite effortlessly. One explanation for this latter finding is that people higher in trait self-control experience less behavioral resistance compared to people lower in trait self-control. Objective: The current study looks at the underlying processes of effortless self-control by examining the mediating role of self-control strategies, motivational factors, and behavioral resistance in the relationship between trait self-control and goal progress. Method: Data was collected from 39 students from Utrecht University (92,3 % female, Mage = 20.54 years) regarding their trait self-control, behavioral resistance, self-control strategies (i.e., situation selection, situation modification, cognitive reappraisal), motivational factors (i.e. intrinsic motivation), and goal progress. Results: Mediation analyses demonstrate that the effect of trait self-control on behavioral resistance is mediated by intrinsic motivation, and not by situation selection, situation modification, or cognitive reappraisal. The effect of trait self-control on goal progress through intrinsic motivation and behavioral resistance was not assessed due to a small indirect effect of intrinsic motivation and the small sample size. Conclusion: The results indicate that motivational factors (i.e. intrinsic motivation), rather than self-control strategies are a process underlying effortless self-control in the academic domain. These findings are relevant for the development of intervention programs that target student‟s self-control.