Trait self-control predicts performance on behavioral tests of self-control. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Two studies tested the extent to which trait self-control predicts performance on objective laboratory tests of behavioral self-control. In Study 1, participants attempted to refrain from blinking for a period of 2 minutes. Participants who reported higher trait self-control blinked less often than participants who reported lower trait self-control. In Study 2, participants attempted to tolerate a painful stimulus, and those higher in trait self-control tolerated pain longer than participants lower in trait self-control. These findings indicate that self-reported self-control corresponds moderately well with performance on objective behavioral tests of self-control. The discussion focuses on implications for self-control theory.

published proceedings

  • J Pers

author list (cited authors)

  • Schmeichel, B. J., & Zell, A

citation count

  • 92

complete list of authors

  • Schmeichel, Brandon J||Zell, Anne

publication date

  • August 2007

publisher