The Heritability of Self-Control: a Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Self-control is the ability to control one’s impulses when faced with challenges or temptations, and is robustly associated with physiological and psychological well-being. Twin studies show that self-control is heritable, but estimates range between 0% and 90%, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to provide a quantitative overview of the heritability of self-control. A systematic search resulted in 31 included studies, based on a sample size of >100.000 individuals, published between 1996 and 2018. Our results revealed an overall monozygotic twin correlation of .58, and an overall dizygotic twin correlation of .28, resulting in a heritability estimate of 60%. The heritability of self-control did not vary across gender or age. The heritability did differ across informants, with stronger heritability estimates based on parent report versus self-report or observations. This finding provides evidence that when aiming to understand individual differences in self-control, one should take genetic factors into account. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Self-Control Moderates the Association Between Perceived Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mental Health Problems Among the Chinese Public

“…In addition, since self-control is a crucial asset, enhancing individuals’ self-control ability might help buffer the influence of negative appraisal and improve the public’s mental health. We need to point out that although self-control has its heritable underpinnings, self-control can still be shaped by the environment [ 27 ] and develops within individuals throughout the life span [ 28 ]. Prior research found some programs to be useful in improving individuals’ self-control effectively, such as mediation [ 29 ] and comprehensive self-control training [ 30 ].…”

Intergenerational transmission: Theoretical and methodological issues and an introduction to four Dutch cohorts

“…The shared genetic makeup of children and parents might also be correlated with the social environment they encounter, through gene-environment correlation (rGE). For instance, parents may transmit a genetic liability for antisocial behavior to the child and simultaneously provide an abusive rearing environment ( Jaffee et al, 2004 ), or may transmit a genetic disposition for high behavioral control and create a tidy and organized home environment ( Willems et al, 2019 ). This association between the genotype a child inherits from his or her parents and the environment in which the child is raised is referred to as passive gene–environment correlation (passive rGE).…”

Interaction of adolescent aspirations and self-control on wellbeing in old age: Evidence from a six-decade longitudinal UK birth cohort

“…Aspirations are a significant factor that should be taken into account when supporting adolescents with low self-control, at risk for mental health problems, and/ or involved with criminal activities (Fergusson et al, 2013;Moffitt et al, 2011). Previous longitudinal twin studies have revealed that low self-control is relatively stable during the life course, and could be robustly explained by genetic factors (Beaver et al, 2009(Beaver et al, , 2008Willems et al, 2019). It is not easy to enhance self-control among adolescents with low intrinsic aspirations; however, enhancing intrinsic aspirations could effectively promote later life satisfaction.…”