Adaptation of the Self-Control Strategies Scale to Turkish and Evaluation of Psychometric Properties

Self-control was initially defined as behavioral inhibition. However, researchers have since recognized that strategies beyond behavioral inhibition are also required. This study aims to adapt the Self-Control Strategies Scale, developed to measure the broader theoretical structure of self-control beyond behavioral inhibition, into Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties. The study was conducted with 477 university students aged between 18 and 31. The confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the 33-item version of the scale shows good fit. Convergent validity analysis involved using the Multidimensional Self-Control Scale and the General Procrastination Scale. It was found that behavioral inhibition remains the strongest predictor of self-control, followed by Pre-Commitment, Reward, and Cognitive Change. General Procrastination is only predicted by Behavioral Inhibition and Pre-Commitment. Reliability analyses of the scale were conducted using McDonald’s Omega, test-retest reliability, and item-total correlations. All subscales, except for the Pre-Commitment subscale, have a reliability level above .70. In conclusion, the scale is valid and reliable for use in research conducted in Türkiye. However, the reliability level of the Pre-Commitment subscale should be considered when interpreting the results. This study also provides insights into the skills that should be acquired in self-control enhancement interventions.