title: The brief self-control scale predicts jail inmates' recidivism, substance dependence, and post-release adjustment.
abstract: Previous research finds that self-control is positively associated with adaptive and negatively associated with maladaptive behavior. However, most previous studies use cross-sectional designs, low-risk samples, and limited assessments of self-control. This study of 553 jail inmates examined the relationship of a valid measure of self-control (Brief Self-Control Scale) completed on incarceration with behavior before, during, and 1 year after incarceration. After controlling for positive impression management (PIM), self-control was negatively related to substance misuse, suicidality, risky sex, and criminal history prior to incarceration and post-release illegal substance misuse, recidivism, and positive adjustment. Lower self-control predicted increases in substance dependence at post-release compared with pre-incarceration. Self-control was not related to misbehavior during incarceration, nor alcohol use or HIV-risk behavior 1 year post-release. Results were consistent as a function of age, race, and gender. This study supports self-control as an important risk and protective factor in a sample of criminal offenders.
authors.affiliation: 1George Mason University, Fairfax, VI, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Malouf
authors.forename: Karen E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Schaefer
authors.forename: Edward A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Witt
authors.forename: Kelly E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stuewig
authors.forename: June P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Tangney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012917:Social Adjustment; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV risk; criminal behavior; recidivism; self-control; substance dependence