Willpower (continuation of January 20, 2014 post)
Key Points and Conclusions:
*Willpower depletion has a physical basis. Individuals whose willpower has been depleted have decreased activity in a brain region involved with cognition and have lower blood glucose levels than those whose willpower has not been diminished.
*The effects of willpower depletion may be mitigated by positive moods, beliefs and attitudes.
*Willpower depletion impacts a range of behaviors, including food intake, substance use and abuse, and purchasing behavior.
*Financial decision-making may be even more depleting for people living in poverty, since virtually all financial decisions are likely to represent difficult tests of self-control.
*Avoiding temptation and planning ahead are effective tactics for maintaining self-control in the face of temptation.
