A New Perspective on Life History Strategies and Self-Control
Start Date
April 2025
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
Traditionally, self-control has been theorized as a unidimensional construct, solely reliant on effortful inhibition. Yet, emerging research suggests that self-control is more nuanced and multi-dimensional. This research aims to link individual differences to preferences for diverse self-control strategies currently theorized in the self-control literature. Specifically, I investigate Life History Strategy (LHS) Theory, which posits that individuals innately apply certain behavioral strategies to cope with situational uncertainty. Related to self-control, ‘slow’ strategy favors inhibition and delayed gratification and 'fast’ strategy is marked by impulsive tendencies and a focus on present orientation. Because of these differences, and contemporary conceptualizations of self-control as multi-dimensional, I propose LHS as an antecedent to self-control strategy selection. This hypothesis is novel and challenges the notion that ‘slow LHS’ simply facilitates “better self-control".
Four studies examine the influence of LHS and self-control in the context of self-improvement, extending extant research on interventions for: improved academic performance, reduced smartphone usage, better sleep, and enhanced responsible gambling tactics related to the "gamblification" of sports (betting). My results consistently demonstrate that 'slow’ individuals prefer self-improvement strategies that promote self-control via attentional deployment (i.e., delayed gratification), whereas ‘fast’ individuals prefer situation modification (i.e., removing the source of a temptation).
Self-control is commonly associated with several pro-social behaviors and better personal wellbeing; poor self-control results in maladaptive behaviors and decreased wellbeing. This research can provide an understanding of how individual LHS differences affect self-control strategy selection, and how self-control may be improved by creating diverse interventions catered to specific individual differences.
A New Perspective on Life History Strategies and Self-Control
3rd floor - Library
Traditionally, self-control has been theorized as a unidimensional construct, solely reliant on effortful inhibition. Yet, emerging research suggests that self-control is more nuanced and multi-dimensional. This research aims to link individual differences to preferences for diverse self-control strategies currently theorized in the self-control literature. Specifically, I investigate Life History Strategy (LHS) Theory, which posits that individuals innately apply certain behavioral strategies to cope with situational uncertainty. Related to self-control, ‘slow’ strategy favors inhibition and delayed gratification and 'fast’ strategy is marked by impulsive tendencies and a focus on present orientation. Because of these differences, and contemporary conceptualizations of self-control as multi-dimensional, I propose LHS as an antecedent to self-control strategy selection. This hypothesis is novel and challenges the notion that ‘slow LHS’ simply facilitates “better self-control".
Four studies examine the influence of LHS and self-control in the context of self-improvement, extending extant research on interventions for: improved academic performance, reduced smartphone usage, better sleep, and enhanced responsible gambling tactics related to the "gamblification" of sports (betting). My results consistently demonstrate that 'slow’ individuals prefer self-improvement strategies that promote self-control via attentional deployment (i.e., delayed gratification), whereas ‘fast’ individuals prefer situation modification (i.e., removing the source of a temptation).
Self-control is commonly associated with several pro-social behaviors and better personal wellbeing; poor self-control results in maladaptive behaviors and decreased wellbeing. This research can provide an understanding of how individual LHS differences affect self-control strategy selection, and how self-control may be improved by creating diverse interventions catered to specific individual differences.
