Self-control in Relation to Feelings of Belonging and Acceptance

Three studies examined the impact that feelings of acceptance and belonging have on self-control abilities. Study 1 examined the relationship between self-reported self-control in a broad range of day-to-day activities and perceived acceptance by family and friends; results showed a significant positive correlation between perceived acceptance and self-control. Studies 2 and 3 manipulated feelings of belonging and examined subsequent self-control on two separate tasks. Participants in the increased belonging group ate significantly fewer cookies (Study 2) and were more likely to delay gratification (Study 3) than participants in the decreased belonging group. There was no difference between the decreased belonging and control groups on delay of gratification in Study 3. The results from the present studies suggest that greater feelings of belonging and acceptance may bolster one's ability to exert self-control.