@article{ref1,
title="The brief self-control scale predicts jail inmates' recidivism, substance dependence, and post-release adjustment",
journal="Personality and social psychology bulletin",
year="2014",
author="Malouf, Elizabeth T. and Schaefer, Karen E. and Witt, Edward A. and Moore, Kelly E. and Stuewig, Jeffrey and Tangney, June P.",
volume="40",
number="3",
pages="334-347",
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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0146-1672",
doi="10.1177/0146167213511666",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0146167213511666"
}