How Does Self-Control Promote Health Behaviors? A Multi-Behavior Test of Five Potential Pathways.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Self-control is generally defined as the capacity to override impulses and is a robust predictor of health behaviors. This paper integrates trait, reasoned action, and habit approaches to develop and test a mechanistic account of how self-control influences health actions.

Purpose

We tested five potential pathways from self-control to behavior, termed the valuation, prioritization, habituation, translation, and inhibition routes.

Methods

At baseline, participants (N = 663 adults) completed survey measures of reasoned action approach variables and habits in relation to eight health behaviors and the Brief Self-Control Scale. Three months later, participants reported their behavior. Multi-level modeling was used to test pathways across behaviors.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Conner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10094954 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature