2017, Volume 9, Issue 2
Effect of the depletion of self-control strength on the self-regulation of the nutritional process in obese individuals
Małgorzata Obara-Gołębiowska1, Hanna Brycz2
1Department of Psychology of Development and Education , University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
2Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk
Author for correspondence: Małgorzata Obara-Gołębiowska; Department of Psychology of Development and Education , University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn; email: malgorzata.obara[at]gmail.com, m.obaragolebiowska[at] uwm.edu.pl
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Abstract
Self-strength can be depleted as a result of previous acts of self-control. The depletion of
these resources is reflected by decreased effectiveness of controlling other behaviors. The
aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of the depletion of self-control resources
on the motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation among obese people.
A total of 100 obese people participated in the research. In the experimental group
a depletion of self-control resources technique was applied. The impact of the above method
on motivational and behavioral aspects of eating self-regulation was verified through
participants’ answers to two items on the importance of their goals and through the tested
subjects’ propensity for selecting high-calorie foods.
Members of the experimental group exposed to the depletion of self-control resources
technique had lower motivation to weight reduction measured by their answers to the
importance of goals (declarative measure) and were less likely to select dietetic foods than
the control subjects (behavioral measure).
The experiment confirmed the depletion of resources reduces the beneficial effects of goal
implementation. Therefore, individuals with excessive body weight should be aware that
the intact resources of self-control constitute the basis for the process of slimming.
Key words: obesity, self-control, ego depletion, goal implementation, weight-loss