doi:10.1177/1745691617716946

Paper Title

The Strength Model of Self-Regulation: Conclusions From the Second Decade of Willpower Research

Authors

Roy F. Baumeister

Kathleen D. Vohs

Dianne M. Tice

Keywords

Self-Regulation
Strength Model
Willpower
Ego Depletion
Muscle Analogy
Conservation of Willpower
Self-Control
Psychological Strength
Motivation
Cognitive Resources
Behavioral Regulation
Problem Behaviors
Selfhood
Theoretical Accounts
Performance Improvement
Willpower Research

Article Type

Research Article

Journal

Perspectives on Psychological Science

Research Impact Tools

DOI

10.1177/1745691617716946

Issue

Volume : 13 | Issue : 2 | Page No : 141-145

Published On

March, 2018

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Abstract

The strength model of self-regulation uses a muscle analogy to explain patterns of ego depletion, conservation of willpower, and improved performance after frequent exercise. Our 2007 overview of the literature has been well cited, presumably because of the phenomenon’s importance to theories of selfhood and a wide assortment of applied contexts, including problem behaviors. Some researchers have put forward rival theoretical accounts, and others have questioned the existence of the phenomenon. The weight of evidence continues to support the usefulness of the strength model, albeit amid continuing updates and revisions.