Well, it's not germane to the discussion. The issue of whether there are positive psychological consequences of discipline and motivation and whether there are

Well, it's not germane to the discussion. The issue of whether there are positive psychological consequences of discipline and motivation and whether there are positive moral implications of virtue are completely unrelated topics. Pancakes taste good with maple syrup, but it doesn't do much to address the thing the first argument actually says. In terms of ways in which "discipline" and "motivation" might provide benefits such as battling depression... I could see arguments both for and against as plausible. Feeling that restrictions on your actions are entirely of your own choosing is tremendously helpful at reducing the negative consequences of harmful stimulus, that is supported by research. I am unaware of any research that says it can actually tip the needle the other direction and make a negative stimulus into a positive, but it could be possible. Then again, there are a billion other ways in which our volition is infringed upon on a daily basis by society flagrantly which probably contribute far more to depression and anxiety and similar problems than anything minor like what limits you might put on yourself, so taking away just that bit should probably not be a noticeable change. The problem most people have with "virtue" arguments (and I share in this) is that if there is a REASON something should be avoided, then the reason suffices. If there is no reason, then you are inherently wrong to advocate that other people avoid it. And trying to paper over the situation with societal shame is just repugnant.