Feasibility and Efficacy of Willpower Strengthening Exercises with University Students: A Randomised Control Pilot Study

Abstract

This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of implementing intense brief willpower strengthening exercises with university students. Thirty-nine university students were randomly allocated into one of three groups: willpower strengthening exercise intervention groups, 4-7-8 Hands or postural adjustments, or a control group. Participants assigned to the active intervention groups were required to practice the relevant willpower strengthening exercise every hour, for six hours per day, over three days. The high participation and compliance rates of participants in the two active intervention groups, along with positive feedback, supported the feasibility of the willpower strengthening exercises with university students. Additionally, the 4-7-8 Hands and posture groups reported directional improvements in willpower compared to the control group. Future research is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of willpower strengthening exercises over a longer time period to allow for more practice and effect time.