title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, USA.
authors.forename: June P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Tangney
authors.forename: Roy F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Baumeister
authors.forename: Angie Luzio
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Boone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001519:Behavior; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004522:Educational Status; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012917:Social Adjustment