Self-regulation is a limited resource, and exertion in one area of self-control can lead to depletion in other areas. This concept is supported by multiple studies showing that efforts to regulate emotions, thoughts, or behaviors can impair subsequent self-regulatory performance. The strength model of self-regulation suggests that self-control is like a finite energy resource, and once used, it becomes depleted, leading to reduced capacity for future self-regulation tasks. In Study 1, participants who regulated their emotional responses to an upsetting movie showed reduced physical stamina, as measured by their ability to hold a handgrip. This supports the idea that emotional regulation depletes self-regulatory capacity. In Study 2, participants who suppressed forbidden thoughts gave up more quickly on unsolvable anagrams, indicating that thought suppression also leads to regulatory depletion. In Study 3, participants who suppressed thoughts were less able to control their emotional responses to a funny video, suggesting that thought suppression impairs subsequent emotional regulation. These findings support the strength model of self-regulation, which posits that self-control is a limited resource that can be depleted by exertion. The results indicate that regulatory depletion is not limited to inhibitory efforts but can occur in both directions of emotional regulation. Additionally, the depletion effect is not due to the emotional state itself but rather the effort required to regulate it. The strength model contrasts with other models of self-regulation, such as the skill model, which suggests that self-regulation is a learned ability that does not deplete over time. However, the evidence from the studies supports the idea that self-regulation is an effortful process that consumes a limited resource, leading to temporary reductions in capacity for subsequent tasks. The findings have important implications for understanding self-control failures in various contexts, including emotional regulation, thought suppression, and physical endurance. They also highlight the importance of rest and recovery in maintaining self-regulatory capacity. Overall, the studies provide strong support for the strength model of self-regulation, demonstrating that self-control is a limited resource that can be depleted by exertion.Self-regulation is a limited resource, and exertion in one area of self-control can lead to depletion in other areas. This concept is supported by multiple studies showing that efforts to regulate emotions, thoughts, or behaviors can impair subsequent self-regulatory performance. The strength model of self-regulation suggests that self-control is like a finite energy resource, and once used, it becomes depleted, leading to reduced capacity for future self-regulation tasks. In Study 1, participants who regulated their emotional responses to an upsetting movie showed reduced physical stamina, as measured by their ability to hold a handgrip. This supports the idea that emotional regulation depletes self-regulatory capacity. In Study 2, participants who suppressed forbidden thoughts gave up more quickly on unsolvable anagrams, indicating that thought suppression also leads to regulatory depletion. In Study 3, participants who suppressed thoughts were less able to control their emotional responses to a funny video, suggesting that thought suppression impairs subsequent emotional regulation. These findings support the strength model of self-regulation, which posits that self-control is a limited resource that can be depleted by exertion. The results indicate that regulatory depletion is not limited to inhibitory efforts but can occur in both directions of emotional regulation. Additionally, the depletion effect is not due to the emotional state itself but rather the effort required to regulate it. The strength model contrasts with other models of self-regulation, such as the skill model, which suggests that self-regulation is a learned ability that does not deplete over time. However, the evidence from the studies supports the idea that self-regulation is an effortful process that consumes a limited resource, leading to temporary reductions in capacity for subsequent tasks. The findings have important implications for understanding self-control failures in various contexts, including emotional regulation, thought suppression, and physical endurance. They also highlight the importance of rest and recovery in maintaining self-regulatory capacity. Overall, the studies provide strong support for the strength model of self-regulation, demonstrating that self-control is a limited resource that can be depleted by exertion.