TEMPTATION


Temptation is a fundamental desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment, that threatens long-term goals.[1] In the context of some religions, temptation is the inclination to sin. Temptation also describes the coaxing or inducing a person into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise of curiosity, desire or fear of loss.

In the context of self-control and ego depletion, temptation is described as an immediate, pleasurable urge and/or impulse that disrupts an individuals ability to wait for the long-term goals, in which that individual hopes to attain.[2]

More informally, temptation may be used to mean "the state of being attracted and enticed" without anything to do with moral, ethical, or ideological valuation; for example, one may say that a piece of food looks "tempting" even though eating it would result in no negative consequences.

Research suggests that there are paradoxical effects associated with temptation.[3] Including all the forms temptations can present themselves there is a set of options that may facilitate high moral standards in decision making.

Weak or subtle temptations in comparison to strong or obvious temptations leads to less self-control.
supported research states that "available temptations are less valuable and less tempting".[4]
Temptations can have effects on long-term goal attainment, it has been found that individuals who experienced temptation and the effects of it found there were benefits to their experiences.[5]