Podcast #1,023: Is Self-Control Overrated?

The ability to resolve conflict between competing desires is often touted as a key to success. Many of the popular notions about self-control don't match up with its actual functioning.

Michael Inzlicht is a professor of Psychology who has done extensive research on self-regulation. Michael Inzlicht explains the popular ego-depletion model and why it doesn't hold up under scientific scrutiny. Then we discuss the surprising fact of people who appear to have a great deal of self-control, but don't really exercise much discipline or restraint. We also explore what makes virtuous desire.

Podcast Resources

Related studies:>Perceived mental fatigue and self-controlA multilab preregistered replication of the ego-depletion effectEveryday Temptations : An experience sampling study of desire, conflict, and trait self-controlNew Zealand Study on Trait-ControlThe moralization of effortThe mundanity of excellenceThe identity model of self-regulationThe Effort paradox: Effort is both costly and valuedAoM podcast #961:The Mundanity Of ExcellenceAoM article

Connect With Michael Inzlicht

Michael's websiteMichael’s faculty pageMichael at X

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