Desire for Self-Control Stems from a Duo of Deficiency and Necessity

Four studies (N=676) investigated what affects the desire for self-control, showing that it is affected by stable level of (low) self-control (i.e., deficiency) and by contextual concerns about meeting current goals (i.e., necessity). Wanting self-control is sensitive to appreciating the functional benefits of self-control — thus informing intervention efforts.