Environmental constraints on the functionality of inhibitory self-control: Sometimes you should eat the donut

Self-control involves the inhibition of behavior motivated by short-term reward. Self-control is generally considered to be critical to health and well-bring. However, from an evolutionary standpoint, inhibiting short-term reward may not always be functional. We suggest that the functionality of maintaining or ceasing inhibitory self-control is highly context-dependent. We have elsewhere proposed the dual component theory of inhibition regulation (DCTIR). The DCTIR proposes a functional processing mechanism that determines whether to continue or cease inhibitory self-control. According to the DCTIR, the functionality of continued application of inhibition is conditional on the availability of resources and stability of the environment. To test these predictions, we developed an online game called "Food Quest," in which participants are asked to imagine that they are on a journey. They are faced with the decision of whether or not to engage in a behavior with a short-term reward but with a long-term cost. The game environment is manipulated by varying game lifespan as well as the distribution and prevalence of resources. Results were consistent with predictions from the DCTIR that self-control was more functional in environments characterized by longevity and plentiful resources, but not in more dangerous, highly variable environments. Implications and future directions are discussed.