Improving Self-control by Practicing Logical Reasoning Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We tested the hypothesis that practicing logical reasoning can improve self-control. In an experimental training study (N = 49 undergraduates), for one week participants engaged in daily mental exercises with or without the requirement to practice logical reasoning. Participants in the logic group showed improvements in self-control, as revealed by anagram performance after a depleting self-control task. The benefits of the intervention were short-lived; participants in the two groups performed similarly just one week after the intervention had ended. We discuss the findings with respect to the strength model of self-control and consider possible benefits of regular cognitive challenges in education. 2013 2013 Taylor & Francis.

published proceedings

  • SELF AND IDENTITY

altmetric score

  • 1

author list (cited authors)

  • Bertrams, A., & Schmeichel, B. J.

citation count

  • 18

complete list of authors

  • Bertrams, Alex||Schmeichel, Brandon J

publication date

  • July 2014