Age and gender differences in self-control and its intergenerational transmission.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on self-control development in Asian populations.
• This study addresses the gap by examining age and gender differences in self-control among Chinese adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age and gender variations in good and poor self-control.
• To explore the relationship between adolescent self-control and parental self-control.
• To examine the mediating role of socioeconomic status (SES) in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional survey of 2910 adolescents (aged 12.50–25.42 years) in China.
• Utilized the Dual-Modes of Self-Control Scale (DMSC-S) and Parents' Perceived Self-Control Scale.
• Data collected from five provinces, including parent-reported self-control measures.

Main Results:

• Boys demonstrated higher good self-control than girls.
• Poor self-control increased from ages 12 to 17, then declined, while good self-control steadily increased.
• Adolescent self-control (both good and poor) was significantly linked to parental self-control, with SES mediating the good self-control link.

Conclusions:

• Age, gender, parental self-control, and SES play varied roles in the dual-systems model of self-control.
• Findings highlight the importance of parental influence and socioeconomic factors on adolescent self-control development.