The Brief Self-Control Scale Predicts Jail Inmates' Recidivism,Substance Dependence,and Post-Release Adjustment

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. © 2013 by the society for personality and social psychology,inc.