The Impact of Stress on Self-Control in Boston College Undergraduate Students
Although the relationship between stress and self-control has been studied, it is unclear if the relationship follows a linear versus an inverted U-shaped model, the latter suggesting self-control peaks at moderate stress levels but declines at both extremes. We investigated the correlation between stress levels and self-control in Boston College (BC) undergraduates, ages 18-22 (Nf42), from its four different schools, in the Spring of 2024. Subjects were invited to participate, consented and given anonymous surveys. Self-control was assessed using a 13-item Self-Control Scale, with scores from low (0) to high (5) self-control. Stress levels were assessed using the 10 question Perceived Stress Scale, with scores from low (0) to high (4) stress levels. Data was entered into VassarStats, a mean score per subject was determined for both scales and inferential tests for correlation and regression were utilized. The mean ± SD stress and self-control scores were 1.93 ± 0.62 and 3.24 ± 0.63, respectively. Self-control abilities decreased linearly with increasing stress levels, with statistical significance (r: -0.4025, r2: 0.162, regression coefficient: -0.4151, t-test: -2.78, degrees of freedom: 40, p = 0.008). Our data supports that a significant, moderate, negative linear correlation between stress and self-control exists using these standardized scales in this cohort of BC undergraduates, but caution that more data, especially at both extremes of stress and self-control, are required to determine if this linear relationship persists. We speculate stress management may impact our decision-making and ability to exercise self-control.
