Psychometric properties and correlates of the Polish version of the Self-Control Scale (SCS)

Theory and research have both characterized self-control as a vital human strength. Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone’s (2004) Self-Control Scale (SCS) is a 36-item self-report questionnaire that assess individual differences in multiple aspects of self-control. The scale is now considered the preeminent measure of self-control in social and psychological research. This article presents studies that evaluated: (a) the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the SCS, and (b) whether higher SCS scores correlated with positive outcomes in Poland. A total of 441 Polish university students took part in the studies. Psychometrically, the Polish SCS proved to be reasonably sound, with good internal consistency (α = .89). Correlations with criteria measures showed that both full and brief selfcontrol scores were positively related to self-esteem, perspective taking, and guilt-proneness, while negatively related to personal distress, proneness to shame, externalization, and unconcern. High self-control was also associated with being conscientious, emotionally stable, and open. It is concluded that the Polish SCS offers a viable option for assessing trait self-control and for studying its relationship with a broad spectrum of psychological and social variables.