In a recent article, I explored research into the cultural basis for willpower. While tests like the marshmallow test typically frame self-control in a positive way and link it to various positive life outcomes, a recent study from Purdue University suggests that those with high self-control may be viewed as being somewhat robotic.

What’s more, people with good willpower were also viewed as being less sociable and even colder by their peers. The findings emerged from six surveys involving over 2,000 participants.

“Plenty of research has shown the positive individual benefits of high self-control, but very little empirical research has investigated the downsides of these perceptions,” the researchers explain.

“Typically, self-control lapses are seen as undesirable, but people’s struggles with self-control may also be part of how they are seen as fully human. The findings raise questions regarding the nuanced and even paradoxical nature of human perceptions of self-control and its consequences and indeed the nature of self-control at large.”

Negative consequences

The researchers highlight various other consequences of appearing disciplined and reliable in the workplace, as this may result in a greater share of the workload being heaped on the shoulders of these people.

“For example, if performance expectations, but not social recognition and support, are greater for employees with high self-control,” the authors continue, “they could be more vulnerable to health problems such as exhaustion and burnout.”

The findings provide an interesting perspective on how we perceive other people, and how these perceptions influence how we ultimately treat others.

“This dehumanizing concept in psychology connects to a lot of really atrocious behavior,” the authors continue. “History shows that people have relied on this idea to justify really horrible things like slavery and wars. Dehumanizing narratives used by leaders have justified treating refugees or minority groups differently because they are portrayed as less human.”

Suffice to say, willpower and self-control aren’t negative qualities at all, and the researchers hope that their findings might prompt conversations into how people can be perceived, and the treatment that flows from that, even for characteristics that should be viewed positively.

“How do we make sure that we see everyone as human?” they conclude. “How can we be careful and mindful of the ways that we are suddenly seeing other people as less than human and whether that’s actually good for society?”