A Psychometric Analysis of the Brief Self-Control Scale

The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) is a widely used measure of self-control, a construct associated with beneficial psychological outcomes. Several studies have investigated the psychometric properties of the BSCS but have failed to reach consensus. This has resulted in an unstable and ambiguous understanding of the scale and its psychometric properties. The current study sought resolution by implementing scale evaluation approaches guided by modern psychometric literature. Additionally, our goal was to provide a more comprehensive item analysis via the item response theory (IRT) framework. Results from the current study support both unidimensional and multidimensional factor structures for the 13-item version of the BSCS. The addition of an IRT analysis provided a new perspective on item- and test-level functioning. The goal of a more defensible psychometric grounding for the BSCS is to promote greater consistency, stability, and trust in future results.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the Brief Self-Control Scale using modern psychometric literature and provided a comprehensive item analysis using the item response theory (IRT) framework. Results supported both unidimensional and multidimensional factor structures for the 13-item version of the BSCS, with an additional perspective on item- and test-level functioning from the IRT analysis. The goal of establishing a more defensible psychometric grounding for the BSCS is to promote greater consistency, stability, and trust in future results.