Can self control influence subjective well being in life? A study assessing the dynamics and association between the constructs

Abstract

The relationship between self-control and subjective wellbeing is an area of increasing interest for researchers in the field of positive psychology. Although numerous earlier studies have found evidence of a positive correlation between self control and several sub factors of well being such as life satisfaction, societal adjustment and social relationships, research investigating self control and well being as a distinct construct remains sparse. This study focused on researching the relationship and dynamics between self control and well being, assessing the findings with earlier studies in the area in view of the differences in society, culture and political dynamics of the location of the study and providing recommendations for enhancing self control in life. The study assessed 100 students and faculty members at an accredited university in Pakistan. Utilizing the longer version of the Ryff (1995) wellbeing scale and the full version of the Tangney, Braumeister, and Boone, (2004) self control scale, the study found a moderate correlation between self control and subjective well being, r= .583, p < 0.05. This was in line with prior studies in the field that also reported moderate to high positive associations between the two variables. The study concluded that self control positively affects well being, the results being similar and consistent across developed and developing countries and that there are specific strategies that can be utilized to enhance personal self control in life.