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Self-Control Test

High self-control is often used as a predictor of success. This self-control test is based on the Self-Control Scale (SCS) authored by June P. Tangney at George Mason University and her colleagues measure your self-control across eight domains. It has been found to be a valid predictor of positive life outcomes, such as professional, educational, and interpersonal success.

What is your level of self-control? For each of the following questions, indicate how well it describes you below.

Question 1 of 34

I am aware of my actions.

Disagree
Agree

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The Self-Control Test is inspired by the Self-Control Scale (SCS) authored by June P. Tangney and colleagues. IDRlabs is not affiliated with these authors or any institutions.

The test provides feedback such as the following:

Impulse Control refers to an individual's ability to resist temptation and regulate their immediate impulses. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more self-controlled and able to delay gratification, while low scorers may struggle to control their impulses, leading to impulsive behaviors such as acting without thinking, saying inappropriate things, and being quick-tempered. Low scorers may also find it difficult to resist temptation and engage in behaviors that are not in their long-term best interest. A lack of impulse control can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life, such as interpersonal relationships and academic achievement. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more willing to take risks and pursue immediate rewards, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Goal Setting refers to an individual's ability to set clear goals and work towards achieving them. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more successful in achieving their goals and feel a greater sense of accomplishment, while low scorers may struggle to set and achieve goals, leading to feelings of discouragement and lack of motivation. Low scorers may also be more easily distracted and have a shorter attention span, making it difficult to focus on tasks and complete them. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more spontaneous and open to new experiences, which can be advantageous in particular situations.

Distraction Control refers to an individual's ability to resist distractions and stay focused on tasks. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more productive and efficient, while low scorers may struggle to stay focused and may be easily sidetracked by distractions. This can lead to difficulty in completing tasks and may result in feelings of frustration and stress. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more creative and open to new ideas, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Self-Monitoring refers to an individual's ability to be aware of their own behavior, thoughts, and feelings. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more self-aware and introspective, while low scorers may be more impulsive and act without thinking. This lack of self-awareness can lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and academic achievement, as well as a lack of understanding of one's own emotions and motivations. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more spontaneous and less self-conscious, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Task initiation refers to an individual's ability to initiate and complete tasks. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more proactive and productive, while low scorers may struggle to get started on tasks and may procrastinate. This can lead to difficulty in completing tasks and may result in feelings of frustration and stress. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more relaxed and less driven by external pressures, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Emotion regulation refers to an individual's ability to regulate their own emotions. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more emotionally stable and able to cope with stress, while low scorers may be more reactive and prone to emotional outbursts. This lack of emotional regulation can lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and academic achievement, as well as increased stress and anxiety. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more expressive and open with their emotions, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Automaticity refers to an individual's ability to engage in good habits without conscious effort or thought. High scorers on this factor are likely to have more automatic good habits, such as exercising regularly or eating healthily, while low scorers may struggle to form and maintain good habits. This can lead to difficulties in achieving long-term goals and may result in feelings of frustration and stress. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more spontaneous and less bound by routines, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Decision-making refers to an individual's ability to make good decisions, taking into account the potential consequences of their actions. High scorers on this factor are likely to be more thoughtful and analytical in their decision-making, while low scorers may be more impulsive and make decisions without fully considering the consequences. This lack of decision-making ability can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life, such as interpersonal relationships and academic achievement. However, individuals who score low on this factor may be more willing to take risks and may be more adaptable to changing circumstances.

The Self-Control Test is inspired by the Self-Control Scale (SCS), which was developed by Tangney et al.. While the Self-Control Test is based on the SCS test, it cannot be used to provide clinical assessments or accurate evaluation of your personality. Clinical assessments should always be done in cooperation with a mental health professional. For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.

Why Use This Test?

1. Free. The Self-Control Test is provided to you free of charge and allows you to obtain your scores related to self-control in several different domains.

2. Acceptable validity and reliability. The Self-Control Scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency as measured using Cronbach’s alpha (.89).

3. Statistical controls. Test scores are logged into an anonymized database. Statistical analysis of the test is conducted to ensure maximum accuracy and validity of the test scores.

4. Made by professionals. The present test has been made with the input of people who work professionally with psychology and individual differences research.