Self-Control and Hedonic Orientation in Daily Life: An Experience Sampling Study

Self-control, the ability to resist unwanted impulses and to initiate and persevere during unpleasant or difficult tasks is important for achieving personal goals. However, self-control conflicts are often described as aversive experiences that induce negative emotions. Concurrently, recent research has argued that hedonic orientations (seeking pleasure, enjoyment, comfort or relaxation) and hedonic experiences can be part of adaptive self-control. Thus, the planned research project investigates two questions: First, whether approaching self-control conflicts with a hedonic orientation predicts greater self-control success and affective well-being. Second, if certain personality traits (e.g. self-control, hedonic capacity, task enjoyment) predict whether self-control conflicts are approached with a hedonic orientation and whether this increases self-control success and results in greater affective well-being. For this purpose, we will conduct an experience sampling study to investigate the handling of self-control conflicts in different areas of life.