The impact of self-control cues on subsequent monetary risk-taking

Brevers, Damien and Foucart, Jennifer and Turel, Ofir and Bertrand, Anais and Alaerts, Mikael and Verbanck, Paul and Kornreich, Charles and Bechara, Antoine (2018) The impact of self-control cues on subsequent monetary risk-taking. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 7 (4). pp. 1044-1055. ISSN 2062-5871 (print); 2063-5303 (online)

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Abstract

Background and aims: The “process-model” of self-control proposes that the ego-depletion effect is better explained by a switch between interest in “have-to” labor and cognitive “want-to” leisure, rather than being mainly due to a decrease in cognitive resources, as advanced by the “strength-model” of self-control. However, it is currently difficult to disentangle the “process-model” from the “strength-model” of self-control. Here, we employed a stepwise approach, featuring three studies, for testing the process model of self-control. Methods: In Study 1, we created a list of 30 self-control events for characterizing “have-to” conducts in the daily life. In Study 2, mental visualization of effortful self-control events (“have-to”) and monetary risk-taking (“want-to”) were employed for testing the strengthmodel of self-control. In Study 3, to test the process-model of self-control, participants were simply required to read self-control (or neutral) sentences. Results: Study 1 provided evidence regarding external validly for the list of self-control events. Study 2 showed that mental visualization of effortful self-control events increases subsequent monetary risk-taking. Study 3 highlighted that the brief apparition of a self-control-related sentence was sufficient for increasing risk-taking. These patterns were evidenced in the trial with the less advantageous gain/loss ratio. Discussion: Altogether these findings support the process-model of self-control in showing that triggering the semantic content of a “have-to” conduct, without its actual execution, is sufficient for modulating subsequent “want-to” activity. Conclusion: These findings could contribute to advancing current knowledge on how the high availability of ready-to-consume rewards in modern environments is redefining humans’ self-control ability.

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