Self-control and health outcomes in a nationally representative sample.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the link between low self-control during adolescence and health problems in early adulthood.


METHODS
Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examined the relationship between varying levels of self-control and the likelihood of being diagnosed with a variety of physical and brain-based health conditions.


RESULTS
Results from logistic regression analyses indicated that subjects with lower levels of self-control had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with 9 of the 10 health outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Targeting the development of self-control in childhood and adolescence may be valuable in preventing future health problems.
Miller
Holly Ventura
HV
Department of Criminal Justice, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA. Holly.Miller@utsa.edu
Barnes
J C
JC
Beaver
Kevin M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D013287:Illicit Drugs