| The Limited Strength Model of self-control (Muraven, Tice, and Baumeister, 1998) proposes that self-control strength comprises a pool of limited resources. Several studies support the idea that, metaphorically speaking, if individuals exert their self-control "muscle" for any reason, "strength" will be depleted on future self-control tasks occurring relatively soon after the initial exertion. Another implication of this metaphor is that self-control strength should increase through repeated practice.;Using 66 undergrads, we sought to replicate and extend the previous findings. We found that after training on Day 1 with a handgrip task and a serial addition task, experimental and control subjects showed no differences on Day 2 when trying to complete anagrams, either on number correct or persistence. Discussion focuses on methodological limitations in examining the strength metaphor, as well as strategies for increasing strength through variations in dose, frequency, and time. |
