Oops I did it again: Examining self-licensing effects in a subsequent self-regulation dilemma

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have mainly examined the immediate effects of self-licensing on self-regulation failure. The present vignette studies examined what happens when a second self-regulation dilemma is encountered. Methods: In Studies 1 (N = 52) and 2 (N = 166), participants read a vignette in which the protagonist chooses to buy a treat while being on a diet, which was preceded by a license (License condition) or not (Control condition). The self-reported likelihood of indulging again when a second dilemma was presented in the same situation served as the dependent variable. Study 2 included measures of self-regulatory ability (motivation and self-efficacy) and also presented the dilemma in a new situation. Results: Study 1 showed that participants were more likely to indulge again after an initial indulgent choice with a license. This was replicated in Study 2, which also showed that self-licensing had no effect on goal re-engagement in a new situation. A marginally significant positive effect of self-licensing was found for self-efficacy. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that self-licensing negatively affects goal re-engagement in the same situation, but not in a new situation. Whether self-licensing maintains or increases feelings of self-efficacy needs to be validated in future studies.