Trait Self‐Control Predicts Performance on Behavioral Tests of Self‐Control

ABSTRACT Two studies tested the extent to which trait self‐control predicts performance on objective laboratory tests of behavioral self‐control. In Study 1, participants attempted to refrain from blinking for a period of 2 minutes. Participants who reported higher trait self‐control blinked less often than participants who reported lower trait self‐control. In Study 2, participants attempted to tolerate a painful stimulus, and those higher in trait self‐control tolerated pain longer than participants lower in trait self‐control. These findings indicate that self‐reported self‐control corresponds moderately well with performance on objective behavioral tests of self‐control. The discussion focuses on implications for self‐control theory.