Self-Control and Health Habits
Author Information
Author(s): Phipps Daniel J., Hagger Martin S., Hamilton Kyra
Hypothesis
Does self-control predict healthy behavior via habits or moderate the habit-behavior relationship?
Conclusion
Inhibitory self-control moderates the effect of habit on complex health behaviors but not on simple ones.
Supporting Evidence
- Inhibitory self-control predicted habit in all three samples.
- Habit predicted each health behavior.
- Inhibitory self-control moderated the effect of habit in complex behaviors.
Takeaway
People with better self-control are more likely to stick to healthy habits, especially when those habits are complex.
Methodology
Three independent samples completed measures of self-control and habit, followed by a prospective measure of behavior.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures and higher-than-expected attrition rates.
Limitations
The study's correlational design limits causal inferences, and self-reported measures may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants included bootcamp attendees, pregnant women, and undergraduate students.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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