Chapter 1 - Universiteit Twente

General Introduction
A theory of self-regulation: self-control capacity as a limited resource
Self-regulation, or an individual’s ability to override, interrupt, and otherwise alter its own
responses, is a central aspect of human functioning (Muraven, Tice, & Baumeister, 1998).
Although presumably the greater part of human behavior is influenced by automatic
or nonconscious processes and does not involve preplanned or deliberate control by
the self (Bargh, 1997), being able to consciously and actively control the way you think,
feel, or behave is essential for an individual to achieve its goals. Regulating the self is
involved in many crucial functions, such as making choices and decisions, initiating
and inhibiting behavior, and making and carrying out plans of action (Baumeister et
al., 1998). Self-control is related to success in many spheres of life, such as being able
to keep on a diet, resisting temptations, managing emotions, breaking bad habits, and
finishing difficult tasks (Muraven et al., 1998). Self-regulation is not only important in the
personal sphere, but also has an essential role in interpersonal functioning. Successfully
maintaining relationships, gaining social acceptance, and managing impressions in
dyadic interactions all require active regulation by the self (Vohs, Lasaleta, & Fennis, in
press).
Over the years, the concept of self-regulation has been approached and defined in
several ways (for an overview, see Baumeister & Vohs, 2004). The present dissertation
adopts a view of self-regulation as operating on the basis of a limited resource that
resembles strength or energy. Despite self-regulation’s vital role, there is increasing
evidence pertaining to the idea that the self’s capacity for active volition is limited
(Baumeister et al., 1998). Similar to the functioning of a muscle, the limited-resource
model of self-control (Baumeister et al. 1998; Vohs & Heatherton, 2000; for a review see
Baumeister, Vohs, & Tice, 2007) posits that any behavior that involves deliberate and
regulated responses by the self draws on a limited intrapsychic resource, akin to strength
or energy. Any act of volition is posited to have a detrimental impact on any subsequent
act of volition due to the fact that they must share the same limited (and dwindling)
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