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Temptation is a 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 something important to a person.
In the context of self-control and ego depletion, temptation is described as an immediate, pleasurable urge and/or impulse that disrupts an individual's ability to wait for the long-term goals, in which that individual hopes to attain.[1]
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.[1] Implicit in all the forms in which temptation can present itself 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, can lead to a greater loss of self-control.
- supported research states that "available temptations are less valuable and less tempting".[1]
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.[1]