Self-control strategy use and effectiveness under the influence of Zhongyong thinking: An ecological momentary assessment study

Current research in the field of self-control has gradually shifted its focus from response inhibition to self-control strategies. However, most existing findings are based on Western cultural contexts and primarily explain strategy differences from individual internal factors. To address this, grounded in the Chinese cultural context and taking the doctrine of the mean (zhongyong thinking) as an entry point, this study preliminarily examines the influence of cultural factors on the use and effectiveness of self-control strategies. Given that self-control strategy use occurs in daily life situations and changes dynamically with specific contexts, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was adopted. After a baseline measure of zhongyong thinking, participants' daily self-control strategy use and degree of success were tracked 7 times per day for 7 consecutive days, ultimately yielding 127 participants...