TITLE:
Ego Depletion After Social Interference
AUTHORS:
Alex Bertrams, Sabine Pahl
KEYWORDS:
Crowding; Ego Depletion; Self-Control; Self-Regulation
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
10,
2014
ABSTRACT: The present study examines whether social
interference (i.e., interference with one’s goal attainment by the bodily
presence of others) depletes the limited resource of self-control strength. In
an experimental laboratory study (N = 34), half the participants
experienced social interference whereas the other half did not experience
social interference by two confederates during a dexterity task. Afterwards, we
measured participants’ momentary self-control strength applying a Stroop
colour-naming task. In line with our prediction, participants’ performance in
the Stroop task indicated that social interference reduced self-control
strength. We discuss implications for crowding research and crowding in natural
settings.