General Self-Control Scale
GSCTrait self-control defined as the capacity to override or alter dominant response tendencies, including control over thoughts, impulse control, emotional control, habit breaking, and performance regulation. A stable individual difference in the ability to resist temptation and act in accordance with long-term goals over short-term impulses.
36 items
2004
α 0.83–0.89
Free
Tangney, J.P., Baumeister, R.F. & Boone, A.L.
What it measures
The most widely used measure of trait self-control. High self-control predicts better academic performance, less binge eating and alcohol abuse, better interpersonal relationships, and less psychopathology. In consumer research, high GSC relates to lower impulsive and compulsive buying, better financial management, and greater resistance to advertising. The 13-item BSCS (items 1–13) correlates r=0.93 with the full scale and is recommended for most surveys. Test-retest (3 weeks): GSC r=0.89, BSCS r=0.87.
Response format
5-point Likert (1=not at all to 5=very much); items summed; numerous reverse-scored items; 13-item Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) = items 1–13 marked *
Scale items
Brief Self-Control Scale — BSCS (items 1–13) — recommended for most survey contexts. Likert 1–5 (1=not at all, 5=very much). Items (R) require reverse scoring.
- I am good at resisting temptation. *
- I have a hard time breaking bad habits. (R) *
- I am lazy. (R) *
- I say inappropriate things. (R) *
- I do certain things that are bad for me, if they are fun. (R) *
- I refuse things that are bad for me. *
- People would say that I have iron self-discipline. *
- Pleasure and fun sometimes keep me from getting work done. (R) *
- I have trouble concentrating. (R) *
- I am able to work effectively toward long-term goals. *
- Sometimes I can't stop myself from doing something, even if I know it is wrong. (R) *
- I often act without thinking through the alternatives. (R) *
- I wish I had more self-discipline. (R) *
Full Scale Additional Items (items 14–36) — together with BSCS items 1–13 form the complete 36-item GSC. Same Likert 1–5 format; (R) = reverse-scored.
- I never allow myself to lose control.
- People can count on me to keep on schedule.
- Getting up in the morning is hard for me. (R)
- I have trouble saying no. (R)
- I change my mind fairly often. (R)
- I blurt out whatever is on my mind. (R)
- People would describe me as impulsive. (R)
- I spend too much money.
- I keep everything neat.
- I am self-indulgent at times. (R)
- I am reliable.
- I get carried away by my feelings. (R)
- I do many things on the spur of the moment. (R)
- I don't keep secrets very well. (R)
- I have worked or studied all night at the last minute. (R)
- I'm not easily discouraged.
- I'd be better off if I stopped to think before acting. (R)
- I engage in healthy practices.
- I eat healthy foods.
- I lose my temper too often. (R)
- I often interrupt people. (R)
- I sometimes drink or use drugs to excess. (R)
- I am always on time.
Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.
Usage notes & scoring
Items marked (R) require reverse scoring before summing. The 13-item BSCS (items 1–13, marked *) is recommended for most research contexts. Partial out social desirability given GSC's moderate correlation with it. Broader than Consumer Spending Self-Control (CSSC, id:460) — correlated r=0.48 but distinct.
Recommended companion scales
Citation
Tangney, J.P., Baumeister, R.F., & Boone, A.L. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, 72(2), 271–322.
Keywords
#self-control#GSC#BSCS#impulsecontrol#self-regulation#trait#Baumeister#individualdifferences#compulsivebuying#consumerbehaviour#healthbehaviour#financialdecisions