The present study integrated conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1989) with dual process theory, self-regulation, and adaptation research to highlight similarities and fill in gaps in motivational theory. Subsequently, COR theory was tested by examining the between-subjects effects of a dual process resource intervention and changes in finite resource pools on adaptation and resource investment. In addition, the present study investigated within-subject resource investment trajectories over time by experimentally manipulating finite resource pools in order to provide evidence for or against Hobfoll’s (1989) gain/loss spirals (e.g., repeated gains/losses over time). A marginally significant interaction between resource intervention and finite resource manipulation on adaptation was found, as well as a significant interaction between resource intervention and finite resource manipulation on resource investment. Overall, there was partial support for key tenets of COR theory, dependent on the information processing target of the resource intervention (i.e., System 1 or System 2).
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