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The Predictive Power of Self-Control for Life Outcomes

Author

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  • Cobb-Clark, Deborah A.

    (University of Sydney)

  • Dahmann, Sarah C.

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Kamhöfer, Daniel A.

    (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)

  • Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah

    (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Dahmann, Sarah C. & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2021. "The Predictive Power of Self-Control for Life Outcomes," IZA Discussion Papers 14920, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14920
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    Cited by:

    1. Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Kong, Nancy & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2023. "The stability of self-control in a population-representative study," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    2. Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Dahmann, Sarah C. & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2024. "Schooling and self-control," DICE Discussion Papers 413, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE).
    3. Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Dahmann, Sarah C. & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2023. "Self-control and unhealthy body weight: The role of impulsivity and restraint," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 50(C).
    4. Cettolin, Elena & Cole, Kym & Dalton, Patricio, 2024. "Improving workers’ performance in small firms: A randomized experiment on goal setting in Ghana," Other publications TiSEM d9fa5424-4f53-4e02-8cb2-c, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    5. Botha, Ferdi & Dahmann, Sarah C., 2022. "Locus of Control, Self-Control, and Health Outcomes," IZA Discussion Papers 15306, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    intergenerational transmission; personality traits; Brief Self-Control Scale;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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