Go Back Research Article February, 2015

Trait self-control and the avoidance of temptation

Author Roy F. Baumeister Author Dianne M. Tice Author Michael R. Ent

Abstract

High trait self-control has been traditionally described as a keen ability to resist temptation. The present research suggests that high trait self-control is linked to avoiding, rather than merely resisting, temptation. People high in trait self-control reported engaging in behaviors thought to minimize (or avoid) temptation to a greater extent than people low in trait self-control (Study 1). People high in trait self-control were more likely than those low in trait self-control to choose to work in a distraction-free environment rather than in a distracting, yet appealing, one (Studies 2 and 3).

Keywords

Self-Regulation Trait Self-Control Temptation Avoidance Distraction Temptation Resistance Behavior Minimization Distraction-Free Environment High Trait Self-Control Low Trait Self-Control Temptation Management Self-Control Strategies Environmental Control Adaptive Behavior Controlled Environment Decision-Making Temptation
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Volume 74
Pages 12-15
DOI 10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.031
ISSN 1873-3549
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