Thesis
A pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of a novel experimental protocol for depleting self-control
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6545
Abstract
A routine of regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has significant health benefits; however, less than half of the United States population meets the federal guidelines for physical activity (PA). Initiation and maintenance of a PA routine remains challenging for the majority of the population. The limited strength model of self-control may offer a possible explanation as to why individuals have a difficult time with PA adherence, both in terms of initiating a bout of PA and short-term effort during a bout of PA. There is a lack of research applying the limited strength model of self-control to PA in an ecologically valid context both in terms of a depletion task and dependent measures of short-term PA behavior. The current study piloted a depletion task that required participants to resist eating chocolate chip cookies in order to deplete self-control (cue exposure task). This study also evaluated the feasibility of novel measures of short-term PA behavior (plank exercise task and a short bout of jumping rope). Three phases of an iterative process were conducted to develop and refine an experimental protocol. Results from the final phase demonstrated that participants in the cue exposure depletion condition persisted longest at frustrating unsolvable puzzles compared to controls indicating that the cue exposure depletion task was not effective in depleting self-control and needs further refinement. Also an interaction between condition and the concern for dieting subscale of the revised restraint scale indicated the success of the manipulation may depend upon motivation for dieting. For all participants, persistence at the unsolvable puzzles decreased as concern for dieting increased. Finally, the novel dependent measures of short-term PA behavior may be useful in examining effects of depletion on PA in a laboratory setting. This evidence has the potential to inform protocol development for future studies aiming to examine the relationship between self-control depletion and PA.
Metrics
21 File views/ downloads
21 Record Views
Details
- Title
- A pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of a novel experimental protocol for depleting self-control
- Creators
- Marie Colasanti - DU
- Contributors
- Meghan L. Butryn (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6545; 991014632204304721