Self-control
Relation to social mobility
Self-control is a necessary component of behavioral self-regulation. It enables efficient, flexible, and adaptive conduct, setting and achievement of goals, and protection against impulsive behavior that holds no benefit. Self-control is associated with social mobility both directly (success in relevant metrics) and in an indirect manner, through "traps" during adolescence (drug abuse, pregnancy, dropping out of school, etc.).Importance
Critical
infancy until the beginning of elementary school
Important
end of junior high to the beginning of high school
Sources
Moffitt, Arseneault, Belsky, Dickson, Hancox et al. (2011). “A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety”. Proc Natl Acad Sci.
Piquero, Farrington & Jennings (2010). “Self-control interventions for children under age 10 for improving self-control and delinquency and problem behaviors”. Campbell Systematic Reviews.
Duckworth & Steinberg (2015), “Unpacking Self-Control”, Child Development Perspectives.
Kochanska et al. (2001). “The Development of Self-Regulation in the First Four Yeas od Life”, Child Development.
Reynolds et al. (2017). “How does school climate impact academic achievement? An examination of social identity processes”. School Psychology International.