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Original Article

When Do Those High in Trait Self-Control Suffer From Strain?

The Interplay of Trait Self-Control and Multiple Stressors

Published Online:January 09, 2019https://doi.org/10.1027/1866-5888/a000218

Abstract

Abstract. We explore the limits of the protective function of trait self-control in coping with sources of stress. Inspired by integrative self-control theory (ISCT) we predict that trait self-control only buffers the relationship between self-control demands and irritation when individuals have to cope with one source of stress, whereas in cases of two stressors, trait self-control fails to attenuate adverse effects. Samples consisted of occupational students (N = 163) and partly or fully or not formally employed students (N = 135). Job-related self-control demands (SCDs) did not predict strain when trait self-control was high and the other stressor (academic SCDs or weekly study time) was low, whereas strain was disproportionally higher and predicted by SCDs when trait self-control was low or the other stressor was high.

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