Emotional balance as a predictor of impulse control in prisoners and non-prisoners

Abstract

Self-control is considered one of the strongest predictor of crime. Low self-control has emerged as a consistent and strong predictor of criminal behaviors. Theory and emerging evidence suggest that failing to regulate emotion may result in one's emotional state being in disorder. Emotional balance may, therefore, be related to self-control or even delinquency. The present study examined emotional balance as a predictor of self-control within prisoners and non-prisoners samples, by using the modified Affect Balance Scale (ABS) and the Self-Control Scale (SCS). Five forms of self-control were assessed: Impulse control (IC), Healthy habit (HH), Resist temptation (RT), Focus on work (FW) and Restrained amusement (RA). However, emotional balance emerged as a significant predictor of only impulse control, after controlling for age, marital status, income and education. Notably, the high emotional balance level was most predictive of increased impulse control capability. Finally, these results would be helpful to preventive interventions of delinquency, criminal or social deviance behaviors. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.