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Self-control and perceived social competence in preschool children

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Abstract

The relationship between two types of self-control (tolerance of noxious stimulation and resistance to temptation), gross motor control, and social competence was examined in 18 3- to 5-year-old children. Analyses showed that the tolerance type of self-control and the resistance to temptation type were correlated. However, teachers' ratings of social competence correlated differentially with the “tolerance” and “resistance” varieties of self-control. Children who more successfully tolerated noxious stimulation were rated by teachers as more socially competent in terms of cooperativeness and rule compliance. Resistance to temptation was found to be a less reliable index of self-control, and one that correlated with age and gross motor control. Results are interpreted as supportive of the hypothesized relationship between self-control and ratings of classroom competence in preschoolers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, 1202 W. Johnson Street, 53706, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Laura L. Humphrey & Daniel S. Kirschenbaum

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  1. Laura L. Humphrey
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  2. Daniel S. Kirschenbaum
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The authors greatly appreciate the important contributions to all aspects of this study made by Paul Karoly.

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Humphrey, L.L., Kirschenbaum, D.S. Self-control and perceived social competence in preschool children. Cogn Ther Res 5, 373–379 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173689

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173689

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