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The stability of self-control in a population-representative study

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  • Cobb-Clark, Deborah A.
  • Kong, Nancy
  • Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah

Abstract

We investigate the stability of self-control at the population level. Analyzing repeated Brief Self-Control Scale scores, we demonstrate that self-control exhibits a high degree of mean-level, rank-order, and individual-level stability over the medium term. Changes in self-control are not associated with major life events, nor are they economically important. The stability of self-control is particularly striking given that our study period (2017–2020) spans the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • 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).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:95:y:2023:i:c:s0167487022001118
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2022.102599
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    Cited by:

    1. Deborah A. Cobb-Clark & Sarah C. Dahmann & Daniel A. Kamhöfer & Hannah Schildberg-Hörisch & Daniel Kamhöfer, 2024. "Schooling and Self-Control," CESifo Working Paper Series 11007, CESifo.
    2. 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).
    3. Fred van Raaij, W. & Riitsalu, Leonore & Põder, Kaire, 2023. "Direct and indirect effects of self-control and future time perspective on financial well-being," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Self-control; Brief self-control scale; SOEP; Stability;
    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

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