Self Control and Adult Health

A large longitudinal study in New Zealand assessed the self control of more than 1000 children in the area of self control. Parents, teachers, observers and children reported on frustration levels, attention to tasks, restlessness, waiting to take turns, activity levels and more. The children who scored lowest in the areas of self control scored higher in areas such as breathing problems, gum disease, sexually transmitted disease, inflammation, overweight, and high cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, when the children with lower self control became adults they: had more financial problems, increased criminal activity, increased rate of single parents and increased dependency on tobacco, alcohol or drugs. The good news is that children who improved their self control as they got older fared better in adulthood indicating that self control can be taught.

Reference: Physorg.com. Childhood self-control predicts adult health and wealth
Retrieved on 1/30/2011 from http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-01-childhood-self-control-adult-health-wealth.html