Self-regulation and self-control in exercise: the strength-energy model

Abstract

Self-regulation is an important component of psychosocial theories of exercise behaviour and lack of self-regulatory skills are associated with low adherence to health-related exercise. This review presents a strength-energy model of self-control as an explanation of self-regulation in exercise contexts. The review will provide impetus for original research aimed at understanding exercise behaviour and help develop recommendations for exercise promotion. In the model, self-control is conceptualized as a global but limited resource. Engaging in actions requiring self-control depletes resources leading to self-regulatory failure. Self-control resource depletion is reduced through rest and frequent training on self-control. The expectation of the need to exert self-control in future leads to a conservation of self-control resources. Proposed mechanisms for self-control resource depletion include changes in physiological markers and blood glucose levels. Based on our review, we propose an integrated model of self-regulation incorporating hypotheses from the strength-energy model with those from traditional psychosocial models of exercise behaviour. Recommendations for future research include incorporating hypotheses from the strength-energy model into theories of self-presentation and interpersonal relations in exercise. Practical recommendations aimed at minimising self-control depletion in exercise include the provision of advice on nutrition and recovery, self-control training, and motivational and implementation intention strategies.

Keywords:

• ego-depletion
• limited resource
• self-discipline
• physical activity
• willpower

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grant #F/00568/R from the Leverhulme Trust awarded to Nikos L. D. Chatzisarantis and Martin S. Hagger.

Notes

1. In the present article we refer to self-control and self-regulation interchangeably. In the context of the strength-energy model, this is the norm. Authors who do make a distinction regard self-regulation as a global term referring to the ability to exert control over all responses and behaviors as well as the regulation of physiological responses. Self-control is viewed as a more specific form of self-regulation defined as control over behaviours and outcomes.

2. It is important to note that both state and trait self-control capacity must be considered domain general and are relevant to self-regulation across a diverse range of behavioural domains. Just because state self-control is likely to be a function of situational factors (e.g., recent performance of tasks or behaviours requiring self-control), it does not mean that an acute depletion of self-control resources is confined to that behavioural domain. Indeed, a key hypothesis of the strength-energy model is the domain generality of the effect and the large body of research on the two-task paradigm has provided corroboratory evidence for this. Rather, the distinction should be made clear that state self-control capacity is less stable and more subject to change than trait self-control. Trait self-control capacity may be an influential factor on acute self-control resource depletion, but the latter is also subject to situational factors.