Ego Depletion Experiment

Introduction

Ego depletion is the idea that self-control draws upon limited resources that are used up. This idea has been formed on the basis that when energy for mental activity is low, self-control is typically weakened which is considered a state of ego depletion (David McRaney 2012). This idea places a focus on willpower as a limited resource that is easily drained, especially when we engage in acts of self-control. For example, if someone was deprived of their food during the day and were exposed to the smell and images of food, they would most likely struggle to function in daily activities because of the frustration they were experiencing with self- control. This example has demonstrated how when willpower is depleted, we always suffer
the consequences. Self- control is important to us because it is both a central function and a key factor that contributes to us achieving success in life; however, self control is not only important to us, but is also key to psychologists for two reasons (Roy Baumeister 2007). Firstly, from a theoretical perspective, self control is an important factor in understanding the nature and functions of ourselves. Secondly, from a practical perspective, the application of self- control has contributed to behaviour and impulse control problems such as drug abuse and overeating (Roy Baumeister 2007). In addition, self- control has a significant link to emotional problems such as underachievement and relationship problems, therefore, by understanding self- control, we can understand the root of these problems and understand them better.

All three articles that have been analysed discuss self- control and ego- depletion but from various points of view. For example, in Mark Muraven’s article, he talks about self-control failure and the negative implications of this on both individuals and society. In discussing this, Muraven discusses how a high use of self- control throughout the population can be an advantage to society; however, the many failures of self-control can cause immense trouble in any culture or historical circumstance which therefore outweighs the advantages (Mark Muraven 2000). In order to communicate this to readers, the study placed a focus on the aftereffects of stress, self-control and mood regulation. On the other hand, in Roy Bausmeister’s article, the author discusses the importance of self-control and its contribution to society because it enables people to be more successful, healthier and to live more satisfying lives. In order to illustrate this point, the article makes use of the strength model which effectively emphasises the ways in which self- control operates and functions (Roy Baumeister 2007). Baumeister believes that by building on studies surrounding self- control, psychology can be used to improve the mental health and well-being of the people (Roy Baumeister 2007). Whereas in Beute’s article, the author discusses the relationship between exposure to nature and self regulation after ego depletion. This article incorporates two studies that tested how nature can significantly assist in the restoration of resources in an ego- depleted state. These studies proved, using experiments and reference to research, that short exposure to nature can be beneficial for self- regulation and mood (Beute, F 2014).

Rationale

These studies collectively communicate to us not only the ways in which self- control uses up limited resources such as willpower therefore leading to ego depletion, but also the implications of this on both society and the individuals. Although all three articles present strong cases regarding ego depletion, through their use of substantial research and psychological studies, there are some gaps and unanswered questions regarding self- regulation and ego- depletion. For example, only a few of the studies discussed in these articles involved direct instructions or requirements for self- control, so it was therefore necessary to assume that these studies engaged with self- control (Mark Muraven 2000). However, the majority of these studies centred around assumptions, based on research, regarding activities that required self- control instead of activities where self-control could be directly measured (Mark Muraven 2000). In order to overcome this grey area in the articles, another experiment could be proposed, where a stronger certainty to the amount of self- control in a particular activity is guaranteed. A wide range of articles regarding self- regulation and ego depletion have proved, using both research and psychological experiments, that self- control occurs when people are deprived of something they are used to, whether this be certain foods when dieting, or free time when doing assignments.

An experiment that could be proposed to test levels of self- control could be to experiment with two groups.
One group of people that is on a strict diet and cannot eat anything sugary or unhealthy and another group that has no restrictions and are to eat normally. At the beginning of the experiment, the experimenters could get both groups to complete an initial questionnaire regarding how they are feeling at the time and how hungry they are. In addition, the experimenters will ask the people to complete a problem solving activity which will be timed. After this, the experimenters are to expose both groups of people to unhealthy foods such as pizza, chocolate and baked goods by putting them around the room so that the people are exposed to both the foods and the smells, but telling them that they are not allowed to eat any of the food. During this, the experimenters are to give the people another problem solving activity of the same difficulty level as the first one and are to time this one as well. In addition, the experimenters are to give both groups the same questionnaire again, regarding how hungry they are and how they are feeling to indicate the strength of their resistance. This experiment will be useful because not only is the experiment based on prior research, but it is also based on those few experiments in the articles which involved direct involvement with self control. Therefore, this experiment will effectively be able to determine the relationship between self- control, regarding the resistance to the food, and ego- depletion, whether this focus on self-control affected their ability to complete the problem solving
task.