A CONSTRUAL LEVEL ANALYSIS OF SELF-CONTROL AND ITS EFFECT ON THE PERCEPTIONS OF PROACTIVE STRATEGIES IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Research on self-control and construal level theory have largely focus on preventing self-control failure, with a lack of understanding the effect of construal level on proactive self-control. The present study seeks to investigate the effect of construal level on proactive self-control using hypothetical scenarios, in addition to investigating potential moderators and mediators that would affect individual's perceptions towards proactive self-control strategies. Presented with a self-control dilemma set in an academic context, participants were manipulated to have either high- or low-level construal, and asked to rate their preference, perceived effectiveness, and perceived balance of proactive strategies of varying execution and reversal cost. Results found support for high-level construal increasing perceived balance, in addition to balance as a mediator between construal level and preference. Results also found promising support for execution and reversal cost dimensions in proactive self-control strategies, highlighting potential mediators that affect's an individual's judgement towards proactive self-control strategy. Theoretical and practical implications of the present findings was also discussed.