Making choices in anticipation of similar future choices can increase self-control.
Two experiments tested the efficacy of linking a current choice with similar future choices as a means of increasing self-control. Participants were offered choices between smaller and sooner vs. larger and later amounts of money (Experiment 1, n = 60) or food (Experiment 2, n = 34). After a small-large pair for which the participant preferred the smaller reward was found, a choice between the same pair was offered as the 1st of 5 such choices to be offered over a period of weeks. The majority of participants in both experiments who chose between all 5 smaller and all 5 larger rewards chose the larger rewards. One third of participants in Experiment 1 who could choose independently on each pair in the series reversed their previous preference and chose the larger reward in the context of the series. These results suggest that self-control can be enhanced by viewing one's current choice as predictive of future choices.
Kirby
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KN
Department of Psychology, Bronfman Science Center, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267, USA. kris.kirby@williams.edu
Guastello
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B
D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors