Towards a Behavioral Vaccine: Exposure to Accessible temptation When Self-Regulation Is Endorsed Enhances Future Resistance to Similar Temptations in Children

Restricting access to temptation is a popular way to counter the obesity epidemic in children. As restrictions cannot be widely applied and may have adverse long-term effects, we examine if exposure to accessible temptations while supporting self-regulation trains self-regulation. Study one manipulated self-regulation endorsement in the presence of accessible temptation and assessed subsequent consumption. Study two also manipulated temptation strength of the accessible temptation and assessed consumption motivation. The findings suggest that exposure to temptation in a situation that endorses self-regulation improves self-regulation skills in girls, but not boys and might be a productive long-term strategy improve self-regulatory skills.