High Self‐Control Predicts Good Adjustment, Less Pathology, Better Grades, and Interpersonal Success

Abstract

What good is self-control? We incorporated a new measure of individual differences in self-control into two large investigations of a broad spectrum of behaviors. The new scale showed good internal consistency and retest reliability. Higher scores on self-control correlated with a higher grade point average, better adjustment (fewer reports of psychopathology, higher self-esteem), less binge eating and alcohol abuse, better relationships and interpersonal skills, secure attachment, and more optimal emotional responses. Tests for curvilinearity failed to indicate any drawbacks of so-called overcontrol, and the positive effects remained after controlling for social desirability. Low self-control is thus a significant risk factor for a broad range of personal and interpersonal problems.

Dysfunction of Self-Regulation and Self-Control in Facebook Addiction

“…The study confirmed that insufficient self-control is a predictor of Facebook addiction. This is in accordance with the general trend presented in the subject literature, stressing that people with good self-control cope better in life, can hold their temper, do not abuse alcohol, keep secrets, and save money [9]. Also, some findings indicate that people with a high level of self-control can use the Internet in a healthy way [11].…”

“…The Brief Self-Control Scale [9] was used to measure dispositional self-control. It consists of 13 items (e.g., I am good at resisting temptation).…”

“…Self-control is very important and beneficial to human psyche and is connected with happy and healthy life [9]. A high level of self-control is positively related to other adaptive traits such as self-esteem or good interpersonal skills, and negatively with alcohol abuse [9].…”

“…A high level of self-control is positively related to other adaptive traits such as self-esteem or good interpersonal skills, and negatively with alcohol abuse [9]. Whether people can attain goals that require self-control depends on the strength of their self-control.…”

Relationships between learning approach, procrastination and academic achievement amongst first-year university students

“…We excluded seven items as they either loaded on the wrong factor (Q7 from the surface factor), had significant cross loadings (Q4 from the strategic factor and Q8, 9, 17, and 20 from the surface factor), or had no loadings above .3 (Q18 from the deep factor) (for items, see Brief self-control scale (BSCS). The Self-control scale is developed by Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone (2004). We used the brief version including 13 items (e.g.…”