Evaluating the Dimensionality and Psychometric Properties of the Brief Self-Control Scale Amongst Chinese University Students.

Sai-fu Fung,Qian Huang,Chris Yiu Wah Kong

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02903

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) using a sample of university students in mainland China. Nine hundred and three students from a Chinese university participated in this study. The internal consistency, criterion validity, factorial validity and construct validity of the scale were examined. The Chinese versions of the BSCS demonstrated good internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81. The BSCS also showed significant moderate correlations with other construct-related scales. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested that only a modified 11-item BSCS with a four-factor structure was a good model fit in the sample of Chinese university students, as χ2 (106.626)/37 = 2.88, SRMR = 0.036, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.992, Tucker-Lewis fit index (TLI) = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.046. The implications for research and theoretical development are discussed.

Highlights

Since the inception of impulse control and self-control concepts in the early 70s there has been extensive empirical research on their psychometric properties, theoretical underpinnings, and behavioral implications (Mischel, 1974; Ainslie, 1975)
We propose a shortened version of the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) by removing two items, namely, BSCS13, factor 1 related to general capacity for self-discipline, and BSCS17, factor 5 related to reliability, based on the findings of prior analyses
The findings of this study suggest that a shortened version of the 11-item BSCS with a four-factor structure had better psychometric properties and good model fit in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of Chinese college students

Summary

Introduction

Since the inception of impulse control and self-control concepts in the early 70s there has been extensive empirical research on their psychometric properties, theoretical underpinnings, and behavioral implications (Mischel, 1974; Ainslie, 1975). Twentieth-century measurements of selfcontrol, such as the self-control rating scale (Kendall and Wilcox, 1979), the bonding self-control scale (SCS) (Gottfredson, 1990), and Grasmick’s SCS (Grasmick et al, 1993), were commonly used for criminological and addictive studies amongst children and juvenile delinquents. These scales were evaluated and applied to different criminological research projects involving children and juveniles (Wang, 2002; Piquero and Bouffard, 2007; Weng and Chui, 2018).

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