Trait self-control and the avoidance of temptation. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ent, Michael R.; Baumeister, Roy F.; Tice, Dianne M.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 74(2015)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Self-regulation -- Temptation -- Distraction; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Highlights: High trait self-control (TSC) was positively correlated with avoiding temptation. People high (vs. low) in TSC were more likely to avoid distraction. People high in TSC avoid, rather than merely resist, goal-inhibiting impulses. Abstract: High trait self-control has been traditionally described as a keen ability to resist temptation. The present research suggests that high trait self-control is linked to avoiding, rather than merely resisting, temptation. People high in trait self-control reported engaging in behaviors thought to minimize (or avoid) temptation to a greater extent than people low in trait self-control (Study 1). People high in trait self-control were more likely than those low in trait self-control to choose to work in a distraction-free environment rather than in a distracting, yet appealing, one (Studies 2 and 3).