Low self-control takes flight: The association between indicators of low self-control and imprudent airline passenger behavior

A large body of research finds that low self-control is associated with a variety of antisocial behaviors and undesirable outcomes. Yet, several behavioral domains remain unexplored. The purpose of the current study is to expand the boundaries of the literature concerning the behavioral outcomes of low self-control by examining its association with the likelihood that individuals will engage in imprudent behavior when flying on airplanes. To consider this, survey data was collected from a U.S. sample of 750 adults. Results indicate that, controlling for a host of demographic characteristics and one's frequency of flying, individuals who are lower in self-control are more likely to report they would engage in a range of imprudent behaviors when flying. This association was particularly evident when the analysis was focused on the self-centeredness dimension of low self-control. Implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed with regard to the potential for low self-control to account for a very wide variety of behaviors not directly associated with crime.