TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - The brief self-control scale predicts jail inmates' recidivism, substance dependence, and post-release adjustment
JO  - Personality and social psychology bulletin
A1  - Malouf, Elizabeth T.
A1  - Schaefer, Karen E.
A1  - Witt, Edward A.
A1  - Moore, Kelly E.
A1  - Stuewig, Jeffrey
A1  - Tangney, June P.
SP  - 334
EP  - 347
VL  - 40
IS  - 3
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0146-1672
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0146167213511666
ID  - ref1
ER  -