An investigation into the efficacy, mechanisms, and time-course of self-control training

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Copyright: Beames, Joanne
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Abstract
Self-control is involved in numerous outcomes that enhance success in life and optimal functioning. For example, self-control fosters improved health, academic performance, and relationship outcomes. The extensive benefits of self-control have encouraged researchers to investigate methods to harness and improve this ability, one of which is self-control training (SCT). SCT involves practicing self-controlled behaviour in one domain to enhance self-controlled behaviour in other untrained domains (i.e., far transfer). Little is known about the overall efficacy, mechanisms, time-course, and individual differences that might influence the extent to which SCT improves self-controlled behaviour. The current program of research attempts to address the gaps in the literature through the use of meta-analytic, behavioural, and neuroscience methods. In Chapter 2, I conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the overall efficacy of SCT. In Chapter 3, I conducted a large-scale, long-term experiment to investigate whether SCT duration influences far transfer and whether the effects persist over time once SCT ceases. I also investigated the psychological and cognitive mechanisms potentially underlying any improvements. In Chapter 4, I examined the neurological substrates of SCT. In Chapters 3 and 4, I investigated individual differences that might affect the efficacy of SCT. The results of this thesis were mixed. Although the meta-analysis provided evidence for far transfer (Chapter 2), the remaining chapters did not provide a clear picture about mechanisms, time-course, and personality factors that affect SCT. My results suggest that two-weeks of SCT may produce the most reliable far transfer effects and that the benefits might not persist following a delay (Chapter 3). My results also suggest that SCT changes neural substrates, and that these changes correlate with relevant individual differences including trait aggression (Chapter 4). The primary implication from my thesis is that it is necessary to address conceptual and methodological limitations within the SCT literature. For example, a shift from conceptual to direct replication might facilitate more certainty, and potentially consensus, about SCT effects. Furthermore, my thesis suggests that investigating factors that moderate efficacy (e.g., time-course) is important in determining whether SCT will produce meaningful impact in the lives of individuals that use it.
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Author(s)
Beames, Joanne
Supervisor(s)
Denson, Thomas
Harmon-Jones, Eddie
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Publication Year
2019
Resource Type
Thesis
Degree Type
PhD Doctorate
UNSW Faculty
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