Paper Title

Ego Depletion and Self-Control Failure: An Energy Model of the Self's Executive Function

Authors

Profile picture of Roy F. Baumeister
Roy F. Baumeister

Keywords

  • Ego Depletion
  • Self-Control Failure
  • Energy Model
  • Executive Function
  • Self-Regulation
  • Limited Resource
  • Choice
  • Volition
  • Conservation of Resources
  • Rest
  • Positive Affect
  • Adaptive Functioning

Journal

Self and Identity External link

Research Impact Tools

DOI

DOI Icon 10.1080/152988602317319302

Publication Info

Volume: 1 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 129-136

Published On

September, 2010

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Abstract

The ability of the self to alter its own responses, including thoughts, emotions, impulsive behaviors, and performances, is powerfully adaptive, and failures of selfcontrol contribute to most personal and social problems. A program of laboratory studies suggests that self-control depends on a limited resource, akin to energy or strength. Acts of self-control and, more generally, of choice and volition deplete this resource, thereby impairing the self's ability to function. These effects appear after seemingly minor exertions because the self tries to conserve its remaining resources after any depletion. Rest and positive affect help restore the self's resources.

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