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MENTAL MODEL · M2899

Restraint Bias

Restraint Bias
TechnicalHigh supportPhysics
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31

CORE DEFINITION

Refers to people overestimating their ability to control impulses (such as appetite, smoking addiction). Therefore, they may expose themselves to tempting environments ("just one look"), leading to loss of control.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Stay away from temptation. Do not test human nature. Acknowledge your lack of self-control and physically isolate temptations (don't buy snacks, don't install games), which is more effective than training willpower.

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People systematically overestimate their self-control in tempting situations, thus actively exposing themselves to temptation ("just one look"), resulting in loss of control. This stems from underestimating "state dependence"—self-control plummets in the moment of temptation.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restraint_biasZH · Explicit
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