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OSLO, Norway — We’ve all been there – staring longingly at that last slice of chocolate cake while trying to summon the willpower to resist. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have an easier time exercising self-control than others? A new study suggests that the answer may lie in our personalities.
Researchers from the University of Oslo and the Norwegian Defense University College have uncovered fascinating connections between our personality traits and our ability to exert self-control. Their findings not only shed light on why we sometimes struggle to resist temptation but also reveal how different aspects of our personalities interact to influence our self-control abilities.
The study, led by Fredrik A. Nilsen and his colleagues, focused on the “Big Five” personality traits: neuroticism (emotional instability), extraversion (outgoingness), openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. These traits are widely recognized as the fundamental building blocks of personality. The researchers were particularly interested in how these traits relate to two different types of self-control: inhibitory self-control (resisting impulses) and initiatory self-control (taking proactive steps toward goals).
To investigate these relationships, the team surveyed 480 military cadets in Norway, collecting data on their personality traits and self-control abilities. What they found was both surprising and illuminating.
First, the study, published in PLOS ONE, confirmed some long-held beliefs about personality and self-control. As expected, people high in conscientiousness (those who tend to be organized and goal-oriented) showed better self-control across the board. Similarly, those high in neuroticism (prone to anxiety and emotional instability) generally had more difficulty with self-control, particularly when it came to inhibiting impulses.
But here’s where things get interesting: the relationship between personality and self-control isn’t always straightforward. The researchers discovered that the effect of certain personality traits on self-control can change depending on the levels of other traits – a phenomenon known as trait interaction.
One of the most intriguing findings was the role of neuroticism in moderating the effects of other personality traits on self-control. For instance, extraverted individuals (those who are outgoing and energetic) generally showed better initiatory self-control. However, this positive effect was significantly reduced in people who also scored high on neuroticism. In other words, being outgoing and sociable might help you take proactive steps toward your goals, but if you’re also prone to anxiety and emotional instability, this advantage could be diminished.
Similarly, while conscientiousness was generally associated with better self-control, this relationship was also influenced by neuroticism. Highly conscientious individuals who were also high in neuroticism showed less improvement in self-control compared to their emotionally stable counterparts.
Ultimately, the study suggests that self-control isn’t just about willpower or discipline but is deeply rooted in the fundamental aspects of who we are as individuals. It’s possible that understanding the relationship between personality and self-control could help in developing more effective strategies for personal development, education, and even therapy. For instance, someone struggling with self-control might benefit from approaches that take into account their unique personality profile rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of considering personality traits not in isolation but as part of an interconnected system. Our tendency towards anxiety or our level of sociability doesn’t just affect us in obvious ways – it can have subtle, cascading effects on other aspects of our behavior and abilities.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling to forget about that chocolate cake in the fridge, remember: it’s not just about strength of will. It’s about your character. Understanding that connection might just be the key to unlocking better self-control and achieving your goals.
Paper Summary
Methodology
The researchers conducted their study in 2 phases, 9 weeks apart, to reduce potential bias. In the first phase, they assessed the personality traits of 480 military cadets using a comprehensive personality test called the NEO-PI-3. This test measures the “Big Five” personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
9 weeks later, the same participants completed a survey measuring their self-control abilities using a tool called the Multidimensional Self-Control Scale. This scale assesses both inhibitory self-control (resisting impulses) and initiatory self-control (taking proactive steps toward goals). The researchers then used statistical techniques to analyze how personality traits related to self-control abilities, both individually and in interaction with each other.
Key Results
The study found that conscientiousness was positively related to all aspects of self-control, while neuroticism was negatively related to general and inhibitory self-control. Extraversion was positively related to initiatory self-control. Importantly, neuroticism was found to moderate the relationships between other traits and self-control.
For example, the positive effect of extraversion on general and inhibitory self-control was reduced in individuals with high neuroticism. Similarly, the positive effect of conscientiousness on general and initiatory self-control was diminished in those with high neuroticism.
Study Limitations
The study’s main limitation is its sample: mostly young male military cadets, which may not be representative of the general population. While the study controlled for age and sex, and previous research has shown similar results in more diverse populations, caution should be used when generalizing these findings.
Additionally, the study relied on self-report measures, which can be subject to bias. While the researchers took steps to control for this, future studies could benefit from including other ratings or behavioral measures of self-control.
Discussion & Takeaways
This study highlights the importance of considering different types of self-control (inhibitory and initiatory) when examining personality effects. It also emphasizes the crucial role of trait interactions, particularly the moderating effect of neuroticism, in understanding self-control.
The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving self-control might be more effective if tailored to individual personality profiles. For instance, highly neurotic individuals might benefit from strategies that address emotional regulation alongside traditional self-control techniques. The study also underscores the complex nature of personality and self-control, suggesting that simplistic approaches to improving self-control may be insufficient.
Funding & Disclosures
The study was supported by a grant from the Research Council of Norway. The authors declared no competing interests. It’s worth noting that while the funding sources are reputable, as with all scientific research, these results should be considered as part of ongoing scientific discourse and further validated through additional studies.
