Brief Self-Control Scale
BSCSA 13-item short form measuring trait self-control — the ability to override inner responses and interrupt undesired behavioural tendencies.
Ready-to-cite methods sentence
Reliability & validation
Response anchors
Not at all like me · A little like me · Somewhat like me · Mostly like me · Very much like me
Known limitations
Most items are reverse-worded around impulse problems, and the factor structure (one factor vs. separate restraint and impulsivity factors) is debated.
Original citation
Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., Boone, A. L. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, 72(2), 271-324.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00263.xQuestions researchers ask
What does the BSCS measure?
A 13-item short form measuring trait self-control — the ability to override inner responses and interrupt undesired behavioural tendencies.
How many items does the BSCS have?
The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) has 13 items.
Is the BSCS free to use?
The BSCS is free to use for non-commercial academic research. You don't need to pay a license fee, but you should always cite the original publication.
Is the BSCS reliable?
Validation studies report Cronbach's α of 0.83, test–retest reliability of 0.87. See the reliability section for the population studied and full statistics.
Who developed the BSCS, and how do I cite it?
Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., Boone, A. L. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, 72(2), 271-324. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00263.x
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Library entry verified July 2026. Metadata is provided for reference; item wording is available inside Folio Surveyor, subject to each instrument's licensing.