When more is less: Self-control strategies are seen as less indicative of self-control than just willpower

In this paper, we examine lay theories about self-control strategy use. A fictional person described as a high self-control individual was seen as more likely to use willpower than strategies (Experiment 1). In four other experiments, targets described as using strategies were perceived as relatively lower in self-control than those using willpower (Experiments 2-5). This difference disappeared for participants who scored high on a scale assessing the belief that strategies are indicative of self-control (Experiment 4) and was reduced for those who were assigned to read an article about self-control strategies rather than about willpower (Experiment 5). Strategy beliefs were also linked to more intentions to use strategies (Experiments 4-5). We conclude that willpower is more central to people’s idea of self-control than strategies, and that this lay belief affects person perception and behavioral intentions.