Abstract Construal Level and its Link to Self-Control and to Cross-Situational Consistency in Self-Concept: Predicting Health-Risk Behavioral Intentions

Abstract From a dispositional perspective, we extend the action identification theory (Vallacher & Wegner, 1987) and construal level theory (Trope & Liberman, 2003) to cross-situational consistency of self and self-control. Two studies examined the relationships among the abstract mindset (Vallacher & Wegner, 1989), cross-situational consistency in self-concept (Vignoles et al., 2016), and self-control (Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone 2004). In Study 1, participants ( N = 725) characterized by high cross-situational consistency showed more abstraction in their thinking ( p < . 001, η p 2 = .17). In Study 2 ( N = 244) cross-situational consistency and self-control explained 10% of construal level, with self-control being a significant predictor ( p < . 001). Construal level and cross-situational consistency explained 17% of self-control; both were significant predictors ( p < . 001). Self-control explained 8% of cross-situational consistency ( p < . 001). Study 2 showed that participants with higher levels of abstraction, cross-situational consistency, and self-control reported a greater intention to control their future sugar intake ( p < . 001). Data supported relationships among abstract construal level, cross-situational consistency and self-control.