A new study from the researchers at Duke University shows that individuals with low self-control can boost resistance by being surrounded by friends with strong determination, according to Medical Xpress.
The study, led by Catherine Shea, a psychological scientist at Duke University and accompanied by Gráinne Fitzsimons, and Erin Davisson from the same university, shows how individuals can resist temptation and boost self control. Shea said that being with people with strong willpower can help a person overcome self-control struggle. Shea and her colleagues conducted two lab tests and one reality test involving romantic partners in real life.
In the first lab-based test, two groups of participants were shown a video and one group was asked to refrain from reading the words that flashed on the screen while the video was being played, while the other group was not given any instructions. Researchers wanted to demonstrate the self control behavior among the instructed group.
The participants were asked to rate three of their office managers, who demonstrated high, low or both high and low self-control behavior, after reading a brief evocative description. Participants were asked to rate the managers based on their leadership qualities.
The results for both the tests showed similar results. Participants rated the manager with high self control more positively compared to the other two when they participants were temporarily worn-out of their self-control. Researchers explained this behavior occurred because these participants tried to compensate for the self-control they lacked by valuing it in others, says the report.
The third test included 136 romantic partners who were asked to answer a questionnaire and based on the data researchers concluded their theory. It was found that if one partner portrayed high self-control, the other partner was reportedly depended on the other one. Hence the study was proved right in both lab-based and real-life scenario.
"Self-control, by its name and definition, is a 'self' process-something that we do alone, as individuals," Shea said. "Yet, when we order food on a menu or go to work, we're often surrounded by other people."
Shea said the study proves individuals with low self-control should surround themselves with individuals who are high on self control which will help in getting over temptation.
The findings of the study are published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
© 2025 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
