Keynote Address 1 : “Self-Regulation for Health and Well-Being”

This talk presents results from laboratory, longitudinal, and meta-analytic studies. Self-regulation functions as a limited resource that gets depleted. High self-control may specialize less in resisting temptation than in avoiding it. Self-control is often highly effective but does grow weaker (ego depletion) as the day wears on. Ego depletion intensifies subjective desires and feelings, rather than just weakening powers of restraint. Effects on self-control on physical health are mediated by emotion. People with good self-control have less stress and are happier than other people.