When cognitive load on the prefrontal cortex is increased, subjects eventually become less inclined to engage in prosocial behavior, such as charity or helping others, and more inclined to lie. When the load is increased specifically through tasks requiring constant emotional regulation, participants are later more likely to cheat on their own diets. (Source: Inzlicht and Marcora, “The Central Governor Model of Exercise Regulation Teaches Us Precious Little About the Nature of Mental Fatigue and Self-Control Failure,” Frontiers in Psychology 7 (2016).)
