The DOI matches its Crossref record; 76 of the 85 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Self-control relies on glucose as a limited energy source: Willpower is more than a metaphor.
Abstract
The present work suggests that self-control relies on glucose as a limited energy source. Laboratory tests of self-control (i.e., the Stroop task, thought suppression, emotion regulation, attention control) and of social behaviors (i.e., helping behavior, coping with thoughts of death, stifling prejudice during an interracial interaction) showed that (a) acts of self-control reduced blood glucose levels, (b) low levels of blood glucose after an initial self-control task predicted poor performance on a subsequent self-control task, and (c) initial acts of self-control impaired performance on subsequent self-control tasks, but consuming a glucose drink eliminated these impairments. Self-control requires a certain amount of glucose to operate unimpaired. A single act of self-control causes glucose to drop below optimal levels, thereby impairing subsequent attempts at self-control.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Citations
Cites
Multiple regression: testing and interpreting interactions
(1992) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.29-3352 · Cited by 36,647
Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: The PANAS scales.
Watson, D., Clark, L. A., & Tellegen, A. (1988) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.54.6.1063 · Cited by 32,433
The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud
Freud, S. (1953) · Cited by 17,730
(1976) · Cited by 10,423
Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990) · doi:10.1515/9781503621794 · Cited by 10,127
A new scale of social desirability independent of psychopathology.
Crowne, D. P., & Marlowe, D. (1960) · Journal of Consulting Psychology · doi:10.1037/h0047358 · Cited by 8,686
High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success
Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., & Boone, A. L. (2004) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00263.x · Cited by 6,557
Self-citationEgo depletion: Is the active self a limited resource?
Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Muraven, M., & Tice, D. M. (1998) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.74.5.1252 · Cited by 5,312
Self-citation(2005) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.43-0626 · Cited by 4,726
Self-regulation and depletion of limited resources: Does self-control resemble a muscle?
Muraven, M., & Baumeister, R. F. (2000) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.126.2.247 · Cited by 4,510
Self-citation
Research works printed but not linked: 3
- Aries, P. (1981). The hour of our death. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Baumeister, R. F., Gailliot, M. T., DeWall, C. N., & Oaten, M. (in press). Self-regulation and personality: Strength-boosting interventions and trait moderators of ego depletion. Journal of Personality.
- Becker, E. (1973). The denial of death. New York: Academic Press.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 901–999 of 999
Berkes, T. (2015) · Mentálhigiéné és Pszichoszomatika · doi:10.1556/0406.16.2015.2.1 · Cited by 2
The Muscle Metaphor in Self-Regulation in the Light of Current Theorizing on Muscle Physiology
Richter, M. M., & Stanek, J. (2014) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-1236-0_5 · Cited by 2
Gau, L.-S., Woodside, A. G., & Martin, D. (2013) · Journal of Religion and Health · doi:10.1007/s10943-013-9759-1 · Cited by 2
Control inhibitorio en perros domésticos:¿qué sabemos hasta ahora?
Fagnani, J., Barrera, G., & Bentosela, M. (2016) · Avances en Psicología Latinoamericana · doi:10.12804/apl34.3.2016.11 · Cited by 2
A Resource Depletion Spiral? A Moderated Mediation Model of Emotional Exhaustion and Venting at Work
Yang, T., & Sun, J. (2019) · Journal of Organizational Psychology · doi:10.33423/jop.v19i6.2666 · Cited by 2
Narrative Identity in the Social World
McLean, K. C., Syed, M., Haraldsson, K. G., & Lowe, L. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.035 · Cited by 2
Lynam, D. R., Vize, C. E., & Miller, J. D. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.043 · Cited by 2
Jayawickreme, E., & Zachry, C. E. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.032 · Cited by 2
Everything comes at a price: Considerations in modeling effort-based choice
Białaszek, W., Marcowski, P., & Mizak, S. (2022) · Behavioural Processes · doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104692 · Cited by 3
Liu, D., & Huang, H. (2024) · Multimedia Tools and Applications · doi:10.1007/s11042-023-18006-w · Cited by 2
Blume, J. B., & Dettmers, J. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1385674 · Cited by 2
Kalis, A., Pascoe, J., & Segundo‐Ortin, M. (2024) · Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · doi:10.1098/rstb.2023.0289 · Cited by 2
İrade Gücüne Dönüş: Tanımlar, Tarihsel Süreç ve İlişkili Kavramlar
KARDAŞ, F. (2024) · İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi · doi:10.15869/itobiad.1469473 · Cited by 3
Qadir, U., & Paul, V. I. (2018) · Journal of Taibah University for Science · doi:10.1080/16583655.2018.1481339 · Cited by 2
Is “getting started” an effective way for people to overcome the depletion effect?
Walsh, D., Mantonakis, A., & Joordens, S. (2015) · Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences / Revue Canadienne des Sciences de l Administration · doi:10.1002/cjas.1308 · Cited by 2
Temperamentalna regulacja zasobów energetycznych w zadaniach wymagających samokontroli
Kwapis, K. (2012) · doi:10.2478/v10167-010-0033-9 · Cited by 2
Repeated Self-Regulation and Asymmetric Hemispheric Activation
Converse, P. D., Pathak, J., Steinhauser, E., & Whitford, E. (2012) · Basic and Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1080/01973533.2012.655989 · Cited by 2
Sustaining safety at work: Accidents, cognitive failure and stress
Bridger, R. S., Brasher, K., & Day, A. J. (2012) · Southeast Asian Network of Ergonomics Societies Conference (SEANES) · doi:10.1109/seanes.2012.6299568 · Cited by 2
Miller, H. C. (2013) · Revista Argentina de Ciencias del Comportamiento ( RACC ) · doi:10.32348/1852.4206.v5.n2.5144 · Cited by 2
Gailliot, M. T. (2015) · JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN HUMANITIES · doi:10.24297/jah.v3i2.5140 · Cited by 2
Self-citationNudging Individuals Toward Healthier Food Choices with the 4 P’s Framework for Behavior Change
Chance, Z., Dhar, R., Hatzis, M., & Huskey, K. (2015) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780199398331.003.0007 · Cited by 2
Exploring free will in the laboratory
Baumeister, R. F. (2011) · Cited by 2
Self-citationA Research Review of Self-Control
尚, 夕. (2019) · Advances in Social Sciences · doi:10.12677/ass.2019.81024 · Cited by 2
The Effects of Self-Control on Glucose Utilization in a Hyperinsulinemic Euglycemic Glucose Clamp
Zahn, D., Gomille, L. K., Grammes, J., Gottschling, P., Fottner, C., Weber, M. M., Wenzel, M., & Kubiak, T. (2019) · European Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1027/2512-8442/a000037 · Cited by 2
Die Replikationskrise in der Psychologie
Spitzer, M., & Spitzer, M. (2020) · Nervenheilkunde · doi:10.1055/a-1095-0144 · Cited by 2
Ronft, S. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-28888-4_15 · Cited by 2
Free Will as a Paradox: Empirical Evaluation of the Construct of Everyday Consciousness
Dotsenko, E. L., & Pchelina, O. V. (2021) · Psychology in Russia State of Art · doi:10.11621/pir.2021.0209 · Cited by 2
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.020 · Cited by 4
Johnson, L. N., Fierstein, R., Cahn, S. C., Hoch, A. L., & Twardzik, L. N. (2023) · Journal of College Student Mental Health · doi:10.1080/87568225.2023.2191879 · Cited by 2
KAVAS, Y. B., & Kesebir, M. (2023) · Özgür Yayınları eBooks · doi:10.58830/ozgur.pub147.c1228 · Cited by 2
Changes in pupil size track self-control failure
O’Bryan, S. R., Price, M., Alquist, J. L., Davis, T. H., & Scolari, M. (2024) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s00221-024-06781-3 · Cited by 2
On the Statistical Analysis of Experiments With Manipulation Checks
Mathur, M. B. (2025) · Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/25152459241297537 · Cited by 2
Ego Depletion and the Internet: Can We Study Ego-Depletion Online?
Allmond, T. (2013) · Cited by 2
Free Will with Afterthoughts: A Quasichemical Model
Levi, A. C. (2013) · Journal of Theoretical Chemistry · doi:10.1155/2013/902423 · Cited by 2
Models of Physical Health and Personality
Heilmayr, D., & Friedman, H. S. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.019 · Cited by 2
The Effects of Depleted Self-Regulation on Skilled Task Performance
McEwan, D. (2012) · MacSphere (McMaster University) · doi:10.71548/19551 · Cited by 2
Rhodes, C. R., & Rhodes, C. (2012) · RePEc: Research Papers in Economics · doi:10.22004/ag.econ.124693 · Cited by 2
Forgiveness as a mechanism of self-regulation: An ego-depletion model
Jenkins, N., Sinclair, E., Myerberg, L. B., & Burnette, J. L. (2011) · PsycEXTRA Dataset · doi:10.1037/e634112013-569 · Cited by 2
An Integrated Rebt‐Based Approach to the Treatment of Addicted Offenders
Bishop, F. M. (2013) · doi:10.1002/9781118589878.ch12 · Cited by 2
The Importance of the Cognitive Environment for Intertemporal ChoicePreprint
Kuhn, M. A., Kuhn, P., & Villeval, M. C. (2013) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.2244236 · Cited by 2
Dahm, P. C. (2015) · University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota) · Cited by 2
Racine, A. A. (2016) · UWSpace (University of Waterloo) · Cited by 2
The Effects of Different Types of Internal Controls on Employee Self-Control
Allen, D., Heninger, W. G., Summers, S. L., & Wood, D. A. (2016) · Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability · doi:10.33423/jsis.v14i6.2605 · Cited by 2
Examining mechanisms of self-control improvement
Klinger, J. E. (2013) · UWSpace (University of Waterloo) · Cited by 2
Retraction Note: Dishonesty is more affected by BMI status than by short-term changes in glucose
di Sorrentino, E. P., Herrmann, B., & Villeval, M. C. (2021) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-020-80528-2 · Cited by 2
RetractedCameron, D. S., & Webb, T. L. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-39903-0_1177 · Cited by 1
The quest for multifinality in goal pursuit
Köpetz, C. (2007) · University Libraries (University of Maryland) · Cited by 2
Menschliches Verhalten bei der Ausführung von Prozessen
Rose, D.-M. (2014) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-38045-7_3 · Cited by 1
Free Will in Psychotherapy: Helping People Believe
Young, G. C. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24094-7_20 · Cited by 1
The Effect of Pregnancy on Intertemporal Choice and Its Mechanism
Li, X. (2016) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2016.710134 · Cited by 1
Linking Diverse Resources to Action Control
Masicampo, E. J., & Slepian, M. L. (2016) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-801850-7.00016-0 · Cited by 1
Model of cognitive dynamics predicts performance on standardized tests
Hodas, N. O., Hunter, J. S., Young, S. J., & Lerman, K. (2018) · Journal of Computational Social Science · doi:10.1007/s42001-018-0025-x · Cited by 1
Italian Validation of the Delaying Gratification Inventory in Adolescents
Liang, Z., Delvecchio, E., Lis, A., & Mazzeschi, C. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20156527 · Cited by 2
Yeşil Merkez Bankacılığı ve Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası Yeşil Dönüşümü
Keskin, M. (2023) · Özgür Yayınları eBooks · doi:10.58830/ozgur.pub147.c1233 · Cited by 1
Haynie, J. J., Martin, C. L., & Andrieux, P. (2024) · Management Decision · doi:10.1108/md-09-2023-1708 · Cited by 1
On the Relationships Between Humour, Stress and Flow Experience: Introducing the Humour-Flow Model
Bartzik, M., & Peifer, C. (2024) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-52288-8_29 · Cited by 1
Jiang, Y., Liu, C., Yan, J., & Wang, L. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-10011-3 · Cited by 1
Feng, J., Chen, J., Su, T., Fu, H., & Tan, L. (2025) · Accident Analysis & Prevention · doi:10.1016/j.aap.2025.108304 · Cited by 2
The Metabolic Mind: Revisiting Glucose Metabolism and Justice Involvement in Neurolaw
Logan, A. C., Berryessa, C. M., Greeson, J. M., Mishra, P., & Prescott, S. L. (2025) · NeuroSci · doi:10.3390/neurosci6040120 · Cited by 1
The effects of nutrition support on behavioral outcomes and labor productivity
Park, S., & Kim, H. B. (2025) · Journal of Development Economics · doi:10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103613 · Cited by 2
Ramadan Fasting and Work Performance: A Conceptual Framework
Abdellatef, S., & Uğur, Z. B. (2026) · Journal of Management Spirituality & Religion · doi:10.51327/idil1488 · Cited by 2
Roach, A. R. (2010) · UKnowledge (University of Kentucky) · Cited by 1
Die Relation der Verhaltenstherapie zu systemischer Therapie und Synergetik
Mackinger, H. F. (2010) · Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht eBooks · doi:10.13109/9783666404290.50 · Cited by 1
Self-Regulation and Self-Regulation Failure
Heatherton, T. F., Lopez, R. B., & Wagner, D. D. (2015) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397025-1.00151-2 · Cited by 2
Субъективная витальность как предмет исследования
Анатольевна, А. Л. (2014) · Психология Журнал Высшей школы экономики · Cited by 1
The Role of Glucose on Executive Control Vigor: Evidence in Support of Comparative Research
Miller, H. C. (2012) · International Journal of Comparative Psychology · doi:10.46867/ijcp.2012.25.03.03 · Cited by 1
Clohecy, E. D., Standing, L., & McKelvie, S. J. (2015) · Escritos de Psicología / Psychological Writings · doi:10.5231/psy.writ.2015.1512 · Cited by 1
Lane, T. J. (2010) · Taipei Medical University Repository · Cited by 1
A Basic and Applied Model of the Body–Mind System
Bernstein, W. M. (2014) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-1236-0_26 · Cited by 1
Chong, J. Y. (2014) · Cited by 1
Perspectives on the experience of will
Rigoni, D., Sammicheli, L., & Braß, M. (2011) · Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) · Cited by 1
Understanding Workday Ego Depletion and the Role of Gratitude Recovery Techniques
Steele, A. (2016) · Cited by 1
Seizing Control: Estimating Multiple Decision Processes and the Investigation of Self-Control
Schuhr, A. (2016) · Basic and Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1080/01973533.2016.1207174 · Cited by 2
Motivational Tuning in Response to Ego Depletion
Jia, L., Yu, R., Hirt, E. R., & Fishbach, A. (2016) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-801850-7.00008-1 · Cited by 2
Penner, A. M., & Willer, R. (2011) · Cited by 1
ZHANG, Y., Donghui, D., & Ziqiang, X. I. N. (2018) · Advances in Psychological Science · doi:10.3724/sp.j.1042.2018.01878 · Cited by 2
Information technology induced attentional switching effects on inhibitory control
Christopher, D. M., & Rosselli, M. (2019) · Applied Neuropsychology Adult · doi:10.1080/23279095.2019.1633535 · Cited by 1
The Psychology of Nonviolence: Models and Their Validation
Kool, V. K., & Agrawal, R. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56865-8_7 · Cited by 1
Arbeidsinkludering: En organisatorisk diamant
Svendsen, M., & Larsen, O. M. J. (2020) · doi:10.23865/noasp.118.ch9 · Cited by 1
Clarkson, J. J. (2021) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108866613 · Cited by 1
Emotion regulation of others and self (EROS) during the COVID-19 pandemic
Lane, A. M. (2021) · Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology eBooks · doi:10.51224/b1009 · Cited by 1
Funkcjonowanie poznawcze w uzależnieniach behawioralnych
Nowakowska, I., Lewandowska, K., & Lewczuk, K. (2021) · Wydawnictwo Liberi Libri eBooks · doi:10.47943/lib.9788363487515.rozdzial04 · Cited by 1
Sallis, H., Smith, G. D., & Munafo, M. R. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.024 · Cited by 1
Self-Regulation and Control in Personality Functioning
Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108264822.029 · Cited by 1
Construction of an Integrated Model of the Action Mechanism of Willpower Based on Target Type
张, 楠. (2023) · Advances in Psychology · doi:10.12677/ap.2023.133105 · Cited by 1
Theories and Research Advances Related to Self-depletion
Liu, S., & Zhang, L. (2023) · International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research · doi:10.26855/ijcemr.2023.04.015 · Cited by 1
Karabulut, T. (2023) · Özgür Yayınları eBooks · doi:10.58830/ozgur.pub147.c1232 · Cited by 1
Furtner, M. R., & Baldegger, U. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-43107-5_3 · Cited by 1
Thorstad, D. (2024) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780198886143.003.0003 · Cited by 2
Food for thought: The impact of short term fasting on cognitive ability
Landini, A., Segovia, M., Palma, M. A., & Nayga, R. M. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0312811 · Cited by 3
Coordinating multiple mental faculties during learning
Luo, X., Mok, R. M., Roads, B. D., & Love, B. C. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-89732-4 · Cited by 2
Ego Does Not Deplete Over Time
Luca, A. D., Zhang, C., Verschoor, S. A., & Hommel, B. (2025) · Experimental Psychology (formerly Zeitschrift für Experimentelle Psychologie) · doi:10.1027/1618-3169/a000644 · Cited by 1
Tired of prejudice: The self-regulatory effect of discrimination on health-related behaviors
Pascoe, E. A. (2010) · DukeSpace (Duke University) · Cited by 1
Watkins, N. L. (2012) · Columbia Academic Commons (Columbia University) · doi:10.7916/d84t6rfr · Cited by 1
Zelfregulatieprocessen in de gezondheidspsychologie
Blankers, M. (2008) · Psychologie & gezondheid · doi:10.1007/bf03077504 · Cited by 1
Selbstkontrolle: Kosten und Nutzen in unterschiedlichen Settings
Schmidt, K., & Diestel, S. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-531-93449-5_9 · Cited by 1
The Frayed Edges Of Willpower: Perceived Stress Impairs Self-Regulatory Performance
Crescioni, A. W. (2012) · Cited by 1
Frayne, E., Coulson, S. E., Adams, R. D., & Croxson, G. R. (2014) · Physical Therapy Reviews · doi:10.1179/1743288x14y.0000000160 · Cited by 2
Theoretical Analysis of Resource-Induced Phase Transitions in Estimation Strategies
Tottori, T., & Kobayashi, T. J. (2026) · Physical Review Letters · doi:10.1103/5ynb-7k4v
Metadata
- Authors
- Gailliot, M. T., Baumeister, R. F., DeWall, C. N., Maner, J. K., Plant, E. A., Tice, D. M., Brewer, L. E., & Schmeichel, B. J.
- Affiliations
- Florida State University (US)
- Texas A&M University (US)
- ORCID
- Venue
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
- Published
- 2007
- Volume
- 92
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 325-336
- ISSN
- 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-1315
- OpenAlex
- W2146569853
- Semantic Scholar
- 06145bac99b1596e45a37c17913d624202836e56
- Cited by
- 1,297
- References
- 85
- Citations by year
- 2026: 20 · 2025: 39 · 2024: 53 · 2023: 36 · 2022: 41 · 2021: 57 · 2020: 98 · 2019: 65 · 2018: 75 · 2017: 72 · 2016: 92 · 2015: 95 · 2014: 101 · 2013: 104 · 2012: 102
- FWCI
- 88.03
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Grit, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Keywords
- self-control, glucose, blood glucose, energy depletion, Stroop task, thought suppression, emotion regulation, attentional control, helping behavior, fear of death, prejudice, interracial interaction, glucose supplementation, cognitive performance
- MeSH terms
- Analysis of Variance, Attention, Blood Glucose, Emotions, Female, Helping Behavior, Humans, Inhibition, Psychological, Male, Prejudice, Psychophysiology, Social Control, Informal
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review