Reexamining the linear and U-shaped relationships between self-control and emotional and behavioural problems

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated a linear relationship between self-control and emotional and behavioural problems. However, some scholars have assumed that both under-control and over-control may result in undesired problems, which implies a U-shaped relationship between them. This issue was reexamined in three Chinese samples in the present study. Self-report measures that conceptually assessed self-control and emotional (i.e. depression and negative emotion) and behavioural (i.e. rule-breaking behaviour, aggression and counterproductive work behaviour) problems were administered to adolescents (N=885), university students (N=671) and employees (N=500). Results of piecewise linear regression show that there were significant quadratic effects of self-control on emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents and on behavioural problems in employees, but no significant U-shaped associations between them were found. Implications for future studies are discussed.