Aims: This symposium aims to introduce justification as a central, but
understudied, process in the domain of self-regulation. Specifically, we aim to present novel
findings on the role of justifications in triggering self-regulation failure (self-licensing)
and to discuss recent findings highlighting the use of justifications in the aftermath of
self-regulation failure (confabulation). The talks included in the symposium aim to show the
relevance of justification processes in self-regulation by addressing a variety of
justification cues and to explore moderating as well as mediating factors. Moreover, we aim to
discuss the implications of justifications processes for theorizing in health psychology, and
to highlight implications for interventions in the health domain. Rationale: Justifications are
a frequently overlooked mechanism underlying self-regulation failure, as well as a relevant
psychological consequence of non-consciously triggered self-regulation failure. Recent insights
on justification have as of yet only received limited attention in the health domain, despite
their significant implications for theory and practice. The EHPS conference provides a perfect
opportunity for discussing state of the art research on this topic among health psychologists.
Summary: The first three talks (de Witt Huberts, Prinsen, Dohle) will discuss self-licensing as
a relevant and distinct route to self-regulation failure. The authors will present findings
showing how negative emotions, as well as positive experiences (academic success or engaging in
exercising) may be deliberately used as excuses for indulgence. Implications of this rational
and deliberate route towards self-regulation failure will be discussed. The second set of talks
(Adriaanse & De Ridder) explore ‘confabulation’, as a compensatory justification mechanism
to account for non-consciously triggered self-regulation failure. The authors will present data
testing a novel model delineating when and how various types of justifications may be triggered
post self-regulation failure and will discuss practical implications of these down-stream
consequences of self-regulation failure.
