title: The Relationship of Self-Control and Abstinence Maintenance: An Exploratory Analysis of Self-Regulation.
abstract: Studies of self-regulation suggested that self-control requires finite resources which, in turn, may present a significant challenge for those trying to recover from or control addictive behaviors. The present study examined the relationships between self-regulation and abstinence maintenance among adults in recovery (n = 606: 407 men, 199 women; M age = 38.5 years) residing in self-governed, communal living, abstinent homes across the United States. Self-regulation scores (controlling for sex and age) were positively related to length of abstinence. In addition, a factor analysis of self-regulation scores resulted in some differentiation between general self-discipline and impulsivity in self-control related to addiction. The relationship between impulsivity and length of abstinence was stronger than the relationship derived between general self-regulation and length of abstinence.
authors.affiliation: DePaul University.
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Edward B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Leonard A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Jason