Framework · Roy Baumeister and colleagues

Ego depletion (willpower as a resource)

Self-control draws on a limited resource that is used up by acts of self-control, leaving less for later.

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Self-control draws on a limited resource that is used up by acts of self-control, leaving less for later.

How to use it with a real habit

• Rather than rationing willpower, rely on routines and prepared situations — useful whatever the truth of the model.

What the evidence says

Evidence mixed: Some studies support it and others do not, or early findings shrank when researchers tried to repeat them. The lesson explains both sides.

A multi-lab pre-registered replication found an effect close to zero; researchers still debate whether some versions exist.

Limits

• Not settled science; believing willpower is scarce may itself affect behaviour.

Sources

• Baumeister, Bratslavsky, Muraven & Tice (1998). Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource?. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.74.5.1252
• Hagger, Chatzisarantis, Alberts, Anggono, Batailler, Birt and colleagues (2016). A Multilab Preregistered Replication of the Ego-Depletion Effect. Perspectives on Psychological Science. doi:10.1177/1745691616652873
• Willpower — Roy F. Baumeister & John Tierney (2011)