TITLE:
Feasibility and Efficacy of Willpower Strengthening Exercises with University Students: A Randomised Control Pilot Study
AUTHORS:
Aileen M. Pidgeon, Sophie L. Monteath
KEYWORDS:
Willpower Strengthening; Self-Control; Feasibility; Efficacy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.1 No.6,
December
2,
2013
ABSTRACT: This study examined the
feasibility and efficacy of implementing intense brief willpower strengthening
exercises with university students. Thirty-nine university students were
randomly allocated into one of three groups: willpower strengthening exercise intervention
groups, 4-7-8 Hands or postural adjustments, or a control group. Participants
assigned to the active intervention groups were required to practice the
relevant willpower strengthening exercise every hour, for six hours per day,
over three days. The high participation and compliance rates of participants in
the two active intervention groups, along with positive feedback, supported the feasibility of the
willpower strengthening exercises with university students. Additionally, the
4-7-8 Hands and posture groups reported directional improvements in willpower
compared to the control
group. Future research is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of willpower
strengthening exercises
over a longer time period to allow for more practice and effect time.