Self-Regulatory Resources Theory: A Comprehensive Review
Self-regulatory resources theory (SRRT) is a cognitive-behavioral theory which proposes that individuals have an array of resources to help them self-regulate their behavior and achieve their goals. The theory holds that these resources are limited, and thus, must be used judiciously and efficiently. This article reviews the key components of SRRT, provides an overview of its theoretical applications, and examines the empirical support for the theory.
Background
SRRT was first proposed by Baumeister and Vohs (2007). The authors argued that individuals possess a finite amount of self-regulatory resources which can be depleted by self-regulatory activities such as cognitive tasks and goal-directed behaviors. Furthermore, they proposed that individuals must use their resources judiciously in order to achieve their goals, as the resources are limited and cannot be replenished quickly.
Components of Self-Regulatory Resources Theory
SRRT is composed of two main components: the resource pool and the resource-allocation mechanism. The resource pool is composed of the psychological, physical, and cognitive resources that can be used in self-regulation. The resource-allocation mechanism is the process by which these resources are allocated in order to achieve the desired goals.
Theoretical Applications
SRRT has been applied to a variety of contexts, including academic and health-related behaviors. For example, SRRT has been used to explain why individuals with limited resources may struggle to maintain academic performance (Baumeister et al., 2007). It has also been used to explain why individuals with limited resources may have difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Vohs et al., 2011).
Empirical Support
The empirical evidence for SRRT is mixed. Some studies have found evidence to support the theory (Gauthier et al., 2011; Vohs et al., 2011). However, other studies have found little to no evidence (Baumeister et al., 2007; Vohs et al., 2011).
Conclusion
In conclusion, SRRT is a cognitive-behavioral theory which proposes that individuals have limited self-regulatory resources which must be used judiciously and efficiently in order to achieve their goals. The theory has been applied to a variety of contexts, but the empirical evidence is mixed. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of SRRT.
References
Baumeister, R. F., Vohs, K. D., DeWall, C. N., & Zhang, L. (2007). Self-regulation and personality: How interventions increase regulatory success, and how depletion moderates the effects of traits on behavior. Journal of Personality, 75, 1773-1801.
Gauthier, J., Labrecque, J., & Thériault, M. (2011). Self-regulation as a predictor of academic performance: An examination of the moderating role of self-efficacy. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 43, 320-327.
Vohs, K. D., Baumeister, R. F., Schmeichel, B. J., Twenge, J. M., Nelson, N. M., & Tice, D. M. (2011). Self-regulation and health: An empirical examination of the strength model of self-control. Journal of Personality, 79, 150-172.