A short-term longitudinal examination of the associations between self-control, delay of gratification and temporal considerations. (1st February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watson, Samantha J.; Milfont, Taciano L.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 106(2017)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2017-02-01
• Subjects: Self-control -- Delay of gratification -- Temporal considerations -- Longitudinal -- CFC; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.10.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Greater ability to control ourselves, delay gratification and consider immediate and future consequences of our behaviors have been linked theoretically and empirically, yet evidence of their longitudinal relations is lacking. A sample of 345 undergraduate students completed a self-report survey twice within a five-month interval. Results from autoregressive cross-lagged analysis showed a bidirectional relation between self-control and delay of gratification, with self-control predicting change in delay of gratification and vice-versa, and these constructs differentially predicted change in temporal considerations. Self-control predicted change in consideration of immediate consequences, while delay of gratification predicted change in consideration of future consequences. These constructs are central to decision-making and successful human development, and the present study shows them to be temporally linked. Further longitudinal research is needed to examine the nature of their associations across long-term time frames. Highlights: Self-control, delay of gratification and temporal concern are empirically related. Their longitudinal relations were examined in a short-term panel data. Self-control and delay of gratification predict change in each other across time. Self-control predict change in consideration of immediate consequences. Delay of gratification predict change in consideration of future consequences.