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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.

Representative items

I am good at resisting temptation. (BSCS*)
I have a hard time breaking bad habits. (R, BSCS*)
I wish I had more self-discipline. (R, BSCS*)
Sometimes I can't stop myself from doing something, even if I know it is wrong. (R, BSCS*)
People would say that I have iron self-discipline. (BSCS*)

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.

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