GOAL-DIRECTED PRIORITISATION OF SELF-CONTROL FOLLOWING EGO DEPLETION: A DIFFUSION MODEL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Contrary to the established notion that depletion effects are invariably negative, recent work has found that motivation for important goal pursuit can increase after prior self-control. However, the behavioural operation of the underlying goal protection mechanism has yet to be explored. The present research investigated how this mechanism counteracts effort induced motivational withdrawal by spurring the prioritisation of one’s efforts toward an important goal. Multiple goal pursuit was contextualised in a speeded reaction task, and diffusion modelling was employed to disentangle the countervailing processes. Study 1 validated an adaptation of the EZ2-diffusion model to the Go/NoGo task on an existing ego depletion dataset. Prior self-control reduced boundary separation but not drift rate, demonstrating that depletion effects result from a motivational withdrawal rather than inhibitory failure. Study 2 tested the central prediction that depleted individuals prioritise performance on the more important goal (Go or NoGo trials). Goal-directed prioritisation was observed in the form of a stronger bias toward the more important trial, but this occurred independent of depletion condition. No effects on boundary separation were evidenced. Task induced boredom is reviewed as a possible explanation for the mixed findings. Theoretical and research implications, along with limitations and future directions, are discussed.