"The mediating role of task aversiveness in the relation of self-control on performing of self-control related behavior."

Abstract

Abstract In everyday life, people encounter situations in which they need to use their self-control to solve conflicts between short-term and long-term goals. In these situations is having a high level of self-control beneficial since it is associated with having success in performing of (health) behaviors. However, little is known about the explanatory factors in the effect of self-control on performing of self-control related behavior. The current research examines the influence of task aversiveness as an explanatory role in the relationship between self-control and performing of self-control related behavior in two different behavioral areas: healthy eating, and physical training. This is conducted by measuring the level of self-control, the level of task aversiveness, and the frequency of performing of self-control related behavior. In two different samples of this study, statistical analyses have been carried out. In the large sample (n = 165), in which participants are conducting the study cross-sectionally, task aversiveness is found to explain the effect of self-control on performing of self-control related behavior. In the small sample (n = 79), in which participants are conducting the study longitudinally, no significant mediation effect of task aversiveness in the effect of self-control on performing of self-control related behaviors is found. Possible explanations for these contradictory results between the samples are discussed. Finally, some limitations of the research and suggestions for future research are provided.