Self-regulation and self-control in exercise: the strength-energy model

Abstract

Self-regulation is an important component of psychosocial theories of exercise behaviour and lack of self-regulatory skills are associated with low adherence to health-related exercise. This review presents a strength-energy model of self-control as an explanation of selfregulation in exercise contexts. The review will provide impetus for original research aimed at understanding exercise behaviour and help develop recommendations for exercise promotion. In the model, self-control is conceptualized as a global but limited resource. Engaging in actions requiring self-control depletes resources leading to self-regulatory failure. Self-control resource depletion is reduced through rest and frequent training on self-control. The expectation of the need to exert self-control in future leads to a conservation of self-control resources. Proposed mechanisms for self-control resource depletion include changes in physiological markers and blood glucose levels. Based on our review, we propose an integrated model of self-regulation incorporating hypotheses from the strength-energy model with those from traditional psychosocial models of exercise behaviour. Recommendations for future research include incorporating hypotheses from the strength-energy model into theories of selfpresentation and interpersonal relations in exercise. Practical recommendations aimed at minimising self-control depletion in exercise include the provision of advice on nutrition and recovery, self-control training, and motivational and implementation intention strategies.

Non-conscious processes and dual-process theories in health psychology

“…A main reason for this focus is that health behaviours are interesting as they often reflect problems with self-regulation (De Ridder & De Wit, 2006;Hagger et al, 2016;Hagger, Wood, Stiff, & Chatzisarantis, 2010) and conflicts between well-learned, habitual, cue-and impulse-driven responses and deliberative, reasoned, and reflective controls (Brandstätter & Frank, 2002). In addition, developing a comprehensive understanding of health behaviours may inform methods and interventions to alter and change behaviours that may enhance health (Abraham, 2015;Wallace, Brown, & Hilton, 2014).…”

Developing emotion abilities and regulation strategies in a sport organization: An action research intervention

“…Such findings support Wagstaff et al"s (2012-c) socio-cognitive model of emotion ability and regulation and indicate that practitioners should consider the psycho-socio-emotional parameters of environments when providing interventions at an organizational level. They also offer support for the wider self-regulation literature (see for a review, Hagger,Wood, Stiff, & Chatzisarantis, 2010) which generally suggests that humans regularly engage in the effortful control of one's emotions, behavior, and desires in order to obtain rewards or avoid punishment in their environment. Indeed, the exploration of self regulation and emotional labor warrants further attention in sport organizations.…”

International studies in time perspective

“…Results suggest that fi rst-timers can concentrate on getting started with AcP before considering CP, which should be more useful in maintenance (Scholz et al, 2008). In addition to the formulation stage-appropriate specifi c plans, they also highlight the importance of sustaining volition over time, hence self-regulatory effort, as proposed by Hall, Fong &Cheng (2011), andHagger et al (2010).…”