Perceived effort in others vs self: When considering outcome and self-control

Across two studies, we examined whether people perceive effort differently in others (vs self), when the outcome is success (vs. failure), and as a function of self-control. The first study examined how outcomes could potentially sway perceived effort in others across both high and low objective effort conditions. We discovered that perceived effort was significantly influenced by outcomes, and outcomes played a larger role in the low objective effort condition. In study 2, objective effort was held constant. We examined how people perceived effort differently in others and themselves across different outcome conditions. Additionally, we also explored whether self-control moderated the effect of outcome and observer on perceived effort. We found that perceived effort was higher in the success condition and when evaluating others' effort. Regression analysis demonstrated that the trait of self-control did not have any moderating effect. Self-control as a predictor was weakly correlated with perceived effort. These results may motivate people to understand these differences in perception and help people to provide better support to each other in everyday settings.