The Ability to Pursue Hedonic Goals: A Necessary Counterbalance to the Concept of Trait Self-Control?

We developed a self-report scale to assess people’s ability to pursue hedonic goals, and tested its validity. In four studies, we found no significant overlap with trait self-control, but rather with intrusive thoughts (e.g., about work, chores) experienced during relaxation in the lab and with people’s life satisfaction.