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Abstract
The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) developed by Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone (2004) is a widely used measure of trait self-control. The present study aimed to validate Italian version of the BSCS. 262 Italian university students completed BSCS along with measures of grit, impulsive behavior, self-esteem, resilience, and psychological distress. 143 of the first sample completed BSCS after three weeks again. Results indicated that the Italian version of the BSCS is one-dimensional as the original BSCS. Good internal consistency and test-retest stability were documented. Convergent and divergent validity of the construct was established with the association between BSCS and measures of grit and impulsive behavior. Furthermore, predictive validity assessment showed that BSCS positively predicted selfesteem and resilience, and negatively predicted psychological distress as expected. In conclusion, findings suggest that the Italian BSCS is a reliable and valid instrument assessing trait self-control in Italian speaking populations.
Keywords: Brief Self-Control Scale; Italian Adaptation; Trait Self-Control.
Trait self-control refers to ones capacity to override dominant responses in accordance with personal long-term goals (Baumeister & Heatherton, 1996). Exertion of self-control captures both action and inaction; engaging in goalconsistent behaviors, and also abstaining from goal-inconsistent behaviors and avoiding temptations (Hoyle & Davidson, 2016). For example, someone who has the intention to be more physically active faces impulses and temptations that are incompatible with reaching this goal (e.g., relaxing on the couch). These impulses and temptations have to be overcome by exerting self-control in terms of inhibiting these impulses (inaction) and to exercise nevertheless (action).
Individual differences in self-control capacity and its relation to important life outcomes have attracted much attention in the literature. High trait self-control has been associated with better academic performance (Duckworth & Seligman, 2005; King & Gaerlan, 2014), better psychological adjustment, higher levels of being, life and self-esteem (Bowlin & Baer, 2012; Hoffmann et al., 2014; Tangney et al. 2004) and less impulse control problems (Bergen et al. 2012; Verstuyf et al., 2013). In longitudinal studies (Fergusson et al., 2013; Moffitt et al., 2011), it was reported that while controlling for gender, family socioeconomic status, and intelligence, high trait self-control in childhood was associated with higher educational degree, occupational prestige, income, and savings behaviour. Moreover, it predicted physical and mental health, lack of substance dependence and...