Impulsivity and antisocial behavior in sports: the moderating role of self-control

Impulsivity, often defined as the propensity to act hastily without thoroughly weighing the consequences, is a recognized contributor to antisocial behavior. However, the mechanisms that might mitigate the influence of impulsivity on antisocial tendencies remain unclear. Across two studies, we tested the proposition that self-control moderates this relationship, such that high levels of self-control diminish the connection between impulsivity and antisocial behavior. Study 1, a cross-sectional analysis with 225 professional basketball players, and Study 2, a six-month longitudinal study with 349 professional athletes from various sports, provided evidence supporting this hypothesis. Specifically, the link between impulsivity and antisocial behavior was either negligible (Study 1) or significantly reduced (Study 2) in the presence of stronger self-control. The findings suggest the value of integrating self-control techniques in physical activity contexts to potentially curb antisocial behavior.