title: Implicit theories about willpower predict self-regulation and grades in everyday life.
abstract: Laboratory research shows that when people believe that willpower is an abundant (rather than highly limited) resource they exhibit better self-control after demanding tasks. However, some have questioned whether this "nonlimited" theory leads to squandering of resources and worse outcomes in everyday life when demands on self-regulation are high. To examine this, we conducted a longitudinal study, assessing students' theories about willpower and tracking their self-regulation and academic performance. As hypothesized, a nonlimited theory predicted better self-regulation (better time management and less procrastination, unhealthy eating, and impulsive spending) for students who faced high self-regulatory demands. Moreover, among students taking a heavy course load, those with a nonlimited theory earned higher grades, which was mediated by less procrastination. These findings contradict the idea that a limited theory helps people allocate their resources more effectively; instead, it is people with the nonlimited theory who self-regulate well in the face of high demands.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology.
authors.forename: Veronika
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Job
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stanford University.
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Walton
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology.
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bernecker
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stanford University.
authors.forename: Carol S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Dweck
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult