Acting
Effortful experiences of self-control foster lay theories that self-control is limited
Jane Klinger et al.
Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, September 2018, Pages 1-13
Abstract:
Though recent motivational accounts of self-control highlight the importance of experiences of effort and fatigue for continued goal pursuit in the moment, less research has investigated potential longer-term effects of these experiences. In three studies, we tested the hypothesis that experiencing self-control as effortful and exhausting would lead to a general belief that the capacity for self-control is limited (Job, Dweck, & Walton, 2010). When participants reflected on a high- versus a low-effort self-control experience (Study 1), engaged in a high- versus low-effort self-control task (Study 2) or experienced a two-week period of self-control practice as more versus less effortful (Study 3), they were more likely to endorse lay theories that self-control is limited. In turn, these limited lay theories led to impairments in self-control performance under high regulatory demand (Study 3). We discuss implications for understanding what limits self-control and the development of lay theories related to self-control.
Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex Reduces Intentions to Commit Aggression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Stratified, Parallel-Group Trial
Olivia Choy, Adrian Raine & Roy Hamilton
Journal of Neuroscience, 18 July 2018, Pages 6505-6512
Abstract:
Although prefrontal brain impairments are one of the best-replicated brain imaging findings in relation to aggression, little is known about the causal role of this brain region. This study tests whether stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces the likelihood of engaging in aggressive acts, and the mechanism underlying this relationship. In a double-blind, stratified, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, 81 human adults (36 males, 45 females) were randomly assigned to an active (N = 39) or placebo (N = 42) condition, and followed up one day after the experiment session. Intentions to commit aggressive acts and behavioral aggression were assessed using hypothetical vignettes and a behavioral task, respectively. The secondary outcome was the perception of the moral wrongfulness of the aggressive acts. Participants who received anodal stimulation reported being less likely to commit physical and sexual assault (p < .01), and judged aggressive acts as more morally wrongful (p < .05) compared to the sham controls. 31% of the total effect of tDCS on intentions to commit aggression was accounted for by perceptions of greater moral wrongfulness regarding the aggressive acts. Results provide experimental evidence that increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex can reduce intentions to commit aggression and enhance perceptions of moral judgment. Findings shed light on the biological underpinnings of aggression and theoretically have the potential to inform future interventions for aggression and violence.
Does Time of Day Affect Variety-Seeking?
Kelley Gullo et al.
Journal of Consumer Research, forthcoming
Abstract:
Variety-seeking is a fundamental aspect of choice. But given circadian rhythms in chronobiology, might variety-seeking vary by time of day? Four studies, including an empirical analysis of millions of purchases, demonstrate diurnal variation in variety-seeking. Variety-seeking is lower in the morning than other times of day. People pick less varied flavors of yogurt, for example, when choosing in the morning. Further, the results demonstrate the underlying role of circadian changes in physiological stimulation and arousal. The effect is mediated by a physiological measure of arousal (i.e., body temperature) and moderated by factors that shape physiological arousal (i.e., sunlight and individual differences in circadian preferences). These findings shed light on drivers of variety-seeking and the biological basis of consumer behavior more generally.
Choking or Delivering Under Pressure? The Case of Elimination Games in NBA Playoffs
Elia Morgulev & Yair Galily
Frontiers in Psychology, June 2018
Abstract:
Neoclassical economic theories foretell that individuals exert the most effort, and consequently produce their best performances, when the net returns to effort are highest. We scanned through 33 NBA seasons and analyzed 1930 playoffs games in order to test this prediction. Analysis of win probabilities in games where one of the two teams faces elimination from the playoffs, demonstrated that the threat of severe losses didn’t lead to elevated level of performance. While previous studies analyzed mainly single-level performance in a stable environment, our results shed light on collective performance in a dynamic setting. These findings can be applicable to other realms as we suggest that managers should refrain from deliberate building of high-pressure environments with hopes of achieving performance enhancement effect among their groups.
Coffee with co-workers: Role of caffeine on evaluations of the self and others in group settings
Vasu Unnava, Amit Surendra Singh & Rao Unnava
Journal of Psychopharmacology, forthcoming
Abstract:
This research explores the effect of consuming a moderate amount of commercially available caffeinated coffee on an individual’s self-evaluated participation in a group activity and subsequent evaluations of the experience. Across two studies, results show that consuming a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee prior to indulging in a group activity enhances an individual’s task-relevant participation in the group activity. In addition, subjective evaluations of the participation of other group members and oneself are also positively influenced. Finally, the positive impact of consuming a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee on the evaluation of participation of other group members and oneself is moderated by a sense of an increased level of alertness.
Association of Self-regulation With Obesity in Boys vs Girls in a US National Sample
Sarah Anderson & Robert Whitaker
JAMA Pediatrics, forthcoming
Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective cohort study using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, a nationally representative sample of 10 700 US children born in 2001 and followed up through kindergarten entry (2006-2007). The analytic sample included 6400 children with observed toddler self-regulation. Data collection occurred in children’s homes and consisted of a parent interview and direct assessment of the child. Data analysis took place between May 2016 and March 2018.
Results: The analytic sample consisted of 6400 children (3250 boys [50.6%, weighted]), with a median age of 24.1 months (interquartile range, 23.4-24.7 months) and 64.5 months (interquartile range, 61.7-67.6 months) at the self-regulation and body mass index assessments, respectively. Self-regulation scores were lower for boys than for girls (mean, 13.7 [95% CI, 13.4-13.9] vs 14.9 [95% CI, 14.7-15.1]), and the lowest self-regulation quartile comprised more boys than girls (weighted percentages, 66.5% vs 33.5%). The prevalence of obesity at 5.5 years was 19.2% among boys and 16.5% among girls. The pattern of association between toddler self-regulation and obesity at 5.5 years was different for boys and girls (P = .008 for interaction). Among boys, the adjusted prevalence of obesity was 19.7%, 18.3%, 20.3%, and 15.9% from lowest to highest quartile of self-regulation. In contrast, among girls, there was a U-shaped association (adjusted prevalence of obesity from lowest to highest self-regulation quartile, 17.0%, 10.3%, 10.7%, and 15.0%).