As we all know beating desire is hard. To do it we need willpower and recent evidence supports the common perception that our willpower like a battery has a limited supply and using it means losing energy resources. For instance, it has been found a number of times that when self-control is used extensively in a decision making or effortful control task, self-control on a second such task is markedly reduced. However, a recent study has demonstrated that the willpower as resource metaphor can actually be taken quite literally and that the willpower energy lost can actually be quantified in terms of glucose. The authors show that reductions in self-control following a difficult task are matched by reductions in glucose and that subsequent performance is detrimentally affected and that this can be ameliorated by taking a glucose drink. Further, the authors note that juvenile delinquents, who by definition lack self-control, process and tolerate glucose less effectively than comparable adolescents suggesting that glucose deficiency may play a part. The study also gives rise to the paradoxical possibility that munching on chocolate bars may actually increase your self-control (albeit temporarily). I know I often found Lucozade useful for getting the mind in gear for exams, this research shows why!
self-control and glucose
its certainly an impressive list of authors - it would be interesting to examine the link between nutrition and self-control. we know that things like sleep deprivation, opioid withdrawel and the like make people discount the future more heavily. the glucose work fits well in here as would evidence on nutrition and school performance. interesting post as usual Michael.
ReplyDeleteThe role of glucose is striking and confirms the insight of Homer Simpson "In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women" [episode 105, season 6]
ReplyDeleteAs Liam said, a top-notch team of authors suggests that this idea has legs...Glucose metabolism is worth probing: it's arguable that all kids have a high sugar diet, or one that's high in disaccharides and monosaccharides. Glucose is a monosaccharide, and so is quickly metabolised. Eating grapes, though would be as good as Lucozade (grapes are very high in fructose, another monosaccharide).
ReplyDeleteI forget some of my biology, but a polysaccharide (glycogen) is a good source of appropriate glucose, as it's broken down more slowly and thus avoids 'sugar rush' a side-effect of a quick and sudden infusion of monosaccharides, which can cognitively manifest itself as inability to concentrate and attend generally. How children may suffer from glycogen metabolism difficulties,and whether giving them a monosaccharide to remedy it is a good idea or not, is beyond my knowledge base.
The research stream of this group seems to be very interesting and demonstrates ways in which to test hypotheses for notions which crop up repeatedly in psychological and sociological research.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, my own take is that the present situation in much of the Western world with diminishing spiritual beliefs and a greater emphasis on personal image and also immediate gratification and potentially greater social isolation leads people to indulge in their vices.
The reseach from this group shows that suppressing thoughts of death takes up self-control resources as does self-presentation and that social exclusion reduces the tendency to implement self-control. The common denominator I believe is that people need to belong and to do so requires much self-control resources in today's world, resources which the excluded don't see the point in using and which the included use for reasons which they have not done to the same extent in the past (self-presentation etc.) leaving less resources to control the desire to drink, eat, gamble more etc. especially considering the increasing prevalence of cues to these vices in the current climate.
the Baumeister/Tice research group publication list for anyone who's interested
ReplyDelete