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Self-Control Relies on Glucose as a Limited Energy Source: Willpower Is More Than a Metaphor
From AcaWiki
Citation: Matthew T. Gailliot, Roy F. Baumeister, Brandon J. Schmeichel C. Nathan DeWall, Jon K. Maner, E. Ashby Plant, Dianne M. Tice, Lauren E. Brewer (2007) Self-Control Relies on Glucose as a Limited Energy Source: Willpower Is More Than a Metaphor. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (RSS)
doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.92.2.325
Tagged: Psychology (RSS) needs improvement (RSS), personal psychology (RSS), social psychology (RSS), self-control (RSS), stress (RSS), glucose regulation (RSS)
Summary:
This paper summarizes 9 studies the authors performed to test the hypothesis that self-control uses a relatively large amount of glucose.
The brain uses a significant proportion of energy (20%) compared to its size (2% of body mass). The authors expect (but do not study) that all executive functions require energy, and that other factors (such as sleep and rest) affect self-control.
The study focuses, however, on glucose as an energy source, and on self-control as a mechanism. They show that glucose rates do drop after acts involving self-control.
Theoretical and practical relevance:
The authors point out that "there is some evidence that juvenile delinquents process and tolerate glucose less effectively" than other adolescents, citing (Gans et al., 1990; Matykiewicz, La Grange, Vance, Mu, & Reyes, 1997).
The need for energy to fuel self-control might explain why self-control can be difficult.
