Is Planning Good for You? The Differential Impact of Planning on Self Regulation

58 Pages Posted: 22 Nov 2011

See all articles by Claudia Townsend

Claudia Townsend

University of Miami

Wendy Liu

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Rady School of Management

Date Written: November 21, 2011

Abstract

Previous research suggests making plans is generally beneficial for self control. Yet in five experiments we find that planning does not always benefit everyone. Although planning tends to aid subsequent self control for those who are in good standing with respect to their long-term goal, those who perceive themselves to be in poor goal standing are found to exert less self control after planning than in the absence of planning. This occurs because considering a concrete plan for goal implementation creates emotional distress for those in poor goal standing, thereby undermining their motivation for self regulation.

Keywords: Self Control, Motivation, Goals, Decision Making, Planning, Individual Differences, Dieting, Health

JEL Classification: D91, I10, M31

Suggested Citation

Townsend, Claudia and Liu, Wendy, Is Planning Good for You? The Differential Impact of Planning on Self Regulation (November 21, 2011). Journal of Consumer Research, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1962842

Claudia Townsend

University of Miami ( email )

United States
(305) 284-1804 (Phone)
(305) 284-5326 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.bus.miami.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-directory/marketing/townsend/index.html

Wendy Liu (Contact Author)

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Rady School of Management ( email )

9500 Gilman Drive
Rady School of Management
La Jolla, CA 92093
United States

HOME PAGE: http://management.ucsd.edu/faculty/directory/wendy-liu/

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