Relationship Between Autonomous Motivation and Ego-Depletion

Relationship Between Autonomous Motivation and Ego-Depletion by Mark A. Heilman MS, Walden University, 2012 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Psychology Walden University May 2016 Abstract Previous research has shown that exerting self-control on a demanding task can impair performance on a subsequent demanding self-control task. This phenomenon is known as ego-depletion; however, its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Notable gaps in the literature exist regarding whether participants’ motivation levels can attenuate the depletion effect, and whether trait self-control is related. Drawing from the process model of depletion and the self-determination theory, the goal of the study was to examine whether motivational incentives in the form of autonomy can impact performance on tasks in an ego-depleted state, and the potential relationship of trait selfcontrol. Amazon Mechanical Turk was utilized to conduct this experimental quantitative study with a 2 (ego-depletion: yes or no) x 2 (autonomous reward motivation: incentivized or nonincentivized) between-subjects factorial design. The effects of an autonomous motivational incentive were compared with the effects of no incentive on a convenience sample of online participants (N = 211), half of whom performed a task designed to be depleting of self-control resources, and half of whom performed a nondepleting task instead. Multivariate ANCOVAs showed no significant differences for performance on a subsequent self-control task for any of the experimental groups, and no covariance of trait self-control was found (as measured by the Brief Self-Control Scale). Previous research has shown that exerting self-control on a demanding task can impair performance on a subsequent demanding self-control task. This phenomenon is known as ego-depletion; however, its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Notable gaps in the literature exist regarding whether participants’ motivation levels can attenuate the depletion effect, and whether trait self-control is related. Drawing from the process model of depletion and the self-determination theory, the goal of the study was to examine whether motivational incentives in the form of autonomy can impact performance on tasks in an ego-depleted state, and the potential relationship of trait selfcontrol. Amazon Mechanical Turk was utilized to conduct this experimental quantitative study with a 2 (ego-depletion: yes or no) x 2 (autonomous reward motivation: incentivized or nonincentivized) between-subjects factorial design. The effects of an autonomous motivational incentive were compared with the effects of no incentive on a convenience sample of online participants (N = 211), half of whom performed a task designed to be depleting of self-control resources, and half of whom performed a nondepleting task instead. Multivariate ANCOVAs showed no significant differences for performance on a subsequent self-control task for any of the experimental groups, and no covariance of trait self-control was found (as measured by the Brief Self-Control Scale). This study will contribute to social change by increasing understanding of the factors contributing to self-control. This knowledge will be useful to anyone intending to strengthen their own willpower and achieve their goals, and may enable practitioners to better assist clients struggling with addictions and other maladaptive behaviors. Relationship Between Autonomous Motivation and Ego-Depletion by Mark A. Heilman MS, Walden University, 2012 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Psychology Walden University May 2016 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to five individuals who have greatly contributed to my motivation to develop as a scholar practitioner dedicated to social change: My wife, Lisa Heilman, who has consistently supported and encouraged my goal to achieve a Ph.D. Professor L. Kay Sorrell, whose teaching style and enthusiasm motivated me to become a psychologist. Amy Decker, who first encouraged me as a student, then as an adjunct faculty member under her charge. Professor Jim Owens, who instilled the philosophy that we are personally responsible for ourselves and our education, and provided a foundation of resources to encourage personal growth and critical thinking. Additionally, his instruction in APA and writing greatly contributed to my success in graduate school. Last but not least, this dissertation is also dedicated to April Bengal. My desire to study self-regulation was predicated on her brutal death at the hand of her mother. Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Tom Diebold for all his assistance in bringing this project to fruition. He has consistently provided constructive criticism and advice that helped to instill confidence in my ability to succeed. Additional thanks go to Dr. Samples for her advice and encouragement as this project evolved. I would also like to thank Laura Holland for her encouragement and for being a positive role model. Finally, I thank Lisa Heilman for the many hours that were required to develop the program necessary for me to collect data.