Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS, Tangney)
Psychology: PersonalityReliability: alpha 0.83–0.853 sample items
About this scale
A 13-item measure of dispositional self-control — the ability to override impulses to align behaviour with long-term goals. Predicts academic success, relationships, and well-being.
Sample item(s)
“I am good at resisting temptation”
“I have a hard time breaking bad habits (reverse)”
“I am lazy (reverse)”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.83–0.85. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Free for academic use.
Source & citation
Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., & Boone, A. L. (2004): High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, Vol. 72, No. 2, pp. 271–324.
Tangney, Baumeister & Boone (2004): BSCS. JoP, 72(2), 271–324.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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