The potential to change oneself and the ability to relate to others are two central facets of the self. Despite their importance, researchers have not investigated the link between these two processes. The resource model of self-regulation posits that the ability to self-regulate is governed by a limited resource that can be depleted by self-regulatory demands. The proposed studies examine the link between interpersonal functioning and self-regulatory resources with strangers, new acquaintances, friends, and intimate relationship partners. Two projects are proposed: Project 1 examines the effect of self-regulatory depletion on interpersonal functioning. The expected results of these four studies will demonstrate that, for example, overriding impulses or making a series of choices can negatively affect interpersonal relationships. Project 2 examines how interpersonal processes affect ability to self-regulate. The expected results from these five studies will demonstrate that interpersonal processes consume regulatory energy, leaving people less able to engage in self-control. Given that people engage in myriad self-regulatory responses every day, this research has important implications for the declining state of society's interpersonal functioning (e.g., divorce, interpersonal violence).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32MH012794-01A1
Application #
6293589
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RPHB-4 (01))
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
2001-06-13
Project End
Budget Start
2001-06-13
Budget End
2002-06-12
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$34,832
Indirect Cost
Name
Case Western Reserve University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
077758407
City
Cleveland
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44106
Vohs, Kathleen D; Schmeichel, Brandon J (2003) Self-regulation and the extended now: controlling the self alters the subjective experience of time. J Pers Soc Psychol 85:217-30
Schmeichel, Brandon J; Vohs, Kathleen D; Baumeister, Roy F (2003) Intellectual performance and ego depletion: role of the self in logical reasoning and other information processing. J Pers Soc Psychol 85:33-46
Vohs, K D; Heatherton, T F (2001) Self-Esteem and threats to self: implications for self-construals and interpersonal perceptions. J Pers Soc Psychol 81:1103-18