Ample research suggests that after engaging in a self-regulatory task,
people become depleted and are more likely to behave in maladaptive ways
by yielding to their impulses. However, yielding to impulses may not
always be maladaptive. This research suggests that when people are
depleted, they feel more vulnerable when encountering potential danger
and are therefore more likely to engage in self-protection. Across five
studies, depleted (vs. nondepleted) participants reported being less
likely to engage in risky behaviors such as having unprotected sex
(study 1) and more likely to engage in risk-reduction behaviors such as
getting tested for kidney diseases and chlamydia (studies 2 and 3).
Depleted individuals also preferred products that emphasize safety
(studies 4 and 5). Perceived vulnerability is shown to mediate the
effect of depletion on self-protective behavior (studies 1 and 2).
Together, these findings show that yielding to impulses may sometimes
help attain beneficial and healthful goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]