Tales of two self-control scales: Relations with Five-Factor and HEXACO traits

This study compared the Five-Factor and HEXACO personality correlates of two common self-control constructs – Tangney self-control and Grasmick self-control – and their relations with delinquency. In both a student and a community sample, conscientiousness (mainly the prudence facet) was the most consistent and strongest correlate of both constructs. HEXACO honesty–humility was an important correlate of Grasmick self-control but not of Tangney self-control. Additionally, honesty–humility (mainly the fairness facet) was the most consistent predictor of delinquency, whereas the two self-control scales differed in the extent to which they predicted delinquency across samples.

► Tangney and Grasmick self-control were related to Five-Factor and HEXACO traits. ► Both self-control scales were most strongly related to conscientiousness – prudence. ► Grasmick self-control was also related to HEXACO honesty–humility. ► Honesty–humility – fairness was the most consistent predictor of delinquency.