Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/250581 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14920
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This study investigates the predictive power of self-control for individuals and their children using population representative data. We use the well-established Brief Self-Control Scale to demonstrate that people's trait self-control is highly predictive of their life outcomes. Higher self-control is associated with better health, education, and employment outcomes as well as greater financial and overall well-being. Importantly, self-control often adds explanatory power beyond more frequently studied personality traits and economic preferences. The self-control of children is correlated with that of their parents, while higher parental self-control is also linked to fewer behavioral problems among children. Our results suggest that social interventions targeting self-control may be beneficial.
Subjects: 
Brief Self-Control Scale
personality traits
intergenerational transmission
JEL: 
D91
D01
J24
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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