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

Overview

Journal Pers Soc Psychol Bull

Specialty Psychology

Date 2013 Dec 19

PMID 24345712

Citations 17

Authors

Elizabeth T Malouf

Karen E Schaefer

Edward A Witt

Kelly E Moore

Jeffrey Stuewig

June P Tangney

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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.

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