Abstract
Drawing from the literature on the interpersonal functions of self-control, we examined longitudinal associations between trait self-control and social desirability, using a survey of the general population in the Netherlands. Trait self-control at baseline was positively associated with social desirability at a follow-up, even when controlling for prior levels of social desirability. That is, high self-control contributed to individuals' tendency to give socially desirable responses in self-reports. This effect was moderated by individual differences in agreeableness. Highly agreeable individuals were more likely to “use” their self-regulatory resources to respond in a socially desirable manner, compared to less agreeable individuals, suggesting that individuals might use self-regulatory resources in a way consistent with the motivational bases of their personality.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 232-236 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | International Journal of Psychology |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2019 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Affiliation
- Agreeableness
- Longitudinal design
- Self-control
- Social desirability
- Social norms