Lay beliefs about self-control: A linguistic analysis

Abstract

This research shows that Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 can identify important aspects of self-control and suggests that lay people inaccurately may believe that prevention focus is more useful for self-control than promotion focus is. We analyzed descriptions of self-control (N = 362) and compared them with descriptions of pursuing hopes or duties (N = 1048). Descriptions of self-control frequently mentioned common temptations and aspects of (meta)cognitive processes. They also showed evidence of extremely high authenticity, which may be crucial for successful self-control. Additionally, analyses of word categories and self-reported need satisfaction in the experiences participants described showed more and larger differences between self-control and pursuing hopes (promotion) than between self-control and pursuing duties (prevention). We discuss directions for future research about the role of authenticity in effective self-control and whether, when, and how being in a prevention focus (vs. promotion focus) is more effective for engaging in self-control.