Brief Self-Control Scale Test — BSCS (13 items)
Free Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS, Tangney et al., 2004): 13 items, about 4 minutes, scored at once. It measures dispositional self-control: the ability to override impulses, pursue long-term goals and resist temptation. Higher self-control predicts better grades, less impulsivity and stronger relationships.
See a sample resultAbout this scale: Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), Tangney, Baumeister & Boone (2004)
- Original instrument
- Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), Tangney, Baumeister & Boone (2004). DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00263.x
- Original version
- Items: 13 · Response scale: 1–5, from “not like me at all” to “very much like me”
- This version
- Items: 13 · Response scale: 1–5 · Reverse-scored items: 9 · Scores reported: 1. This version uses the items of the original scale, in English or in translation.
- Scoring
- Each score is the mean of its items, with reverse-scored items flipped, shown on a 0–100 scale.
- Terms of use
- Free for research and non-commercial use, citing the original publication.
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⚠️ Important notice: Test results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If in doubt, consult a specialist. Medical disclaimer
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What does this test measure?
Dimensions measured in this test
Self-Control
Dispositional ability to override impulses, pursue long-term goals, and resist temptation.
How does the test work?
The test consists of 13 statements. For each one, indicate how much you agree using a 5-point scale — from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." There are no right or wrong answers — respond honestly and spontaneously.
Completing the test takes approximately 4 minutes. You can take it on a computer or phone — your answers are saved automatically.
Items and scoring
Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), Tangney, Baumeister & Boone (2004). The items in the order this test presents them; (R) marks a reverse-scored item.
- I am good at resisting temptation.
- I have a hard time breaking bad habits.(R)
- I am lazy.(R)
- I say inappropriate things.(R)
- I do certain things that are bad for me, if they are fun.(R)
- I refuse things that are bad for me.
- I wish I had more self-discipline.(R)
- People would say that I have iron self-discipline.
- Pleasure and fun sometimes keep me from getting work done.(R)
- I have trouble concentrating.(R)
- I am able to work effectively toward long-term goals.
- Sometimes I can't stop myself from doing something, even if I know it is wrong.(R)
- I often act without thinking through all the alternatives.(R)
- This version
- Response scale: 1–5, between “strongly disagree” and “strongly agree” · Reverse-scored items: 9
- Scoring
- Each score is the mean of its items, with reverse-scored items flipped, shown on a 0–100 scale.
- Reliability
- Internal consistency in the original studies: Cronbach's α = .83 / .85. (Tangney, Baumeister & Boone (2004))
How to interpret results?
After completing the test, you will receive detailed results for each dimension along with interpretation. Your scores are compared against population norms, so you can see how you compare to others.
Scientific basis
This test is based on established scientific literature and is used in psychological research worldwide. Questions come from public, validated psychometric instruments.
Sources
- Tangney JP, Baumeister RF, Boone AL. High Self-Control Predicts Good Adjustment, Less Pathology, Better Grades, and Interpersonal Success. J Pers. 2004;72(2):271-324. doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00263.x
Content last updated: July 10, 2026
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Frequently asked questions
Is this test free?▼
Yes, the test is fully free — every question, the scoring and the result with a dimension-by-dimension interpretation. You see your result immediately after the last answer, with no registration, e-mail or card required. An extended PDF report is available as an optional purchase, but you do not need it to see and understand your score.
How long does it take to complete?▼
It takes about 4 minutes — the test has 13 questions, each answered with a single click on a scale. There is no time limit, you can go at your own pace, and a progress bar shows how much is left. You get the most accurate results by answering spontaneously rather than deliberating over single items.
Are the results accurate?▼
The test is based on a published, validated psychometric instrument — the source and authors are listed in the scientific-basis section on this page, and clinical tests additionally cite their validation studies. Scores are computed with the published scoring keys. Bear in mind that a self-report questionnaire captures a snapshot in time and is educational — it does not replace a clinical diagnosis by a professional.
Can I save my results?▼
Yes. Right after the test you can save the result to a free account in one click — just an e-mail; sign-in uses a 6-digit code sent to it, no password. Saved results build your psychological profile, where you can compare dimensions across different tests on one chart and revisit results any time. Without an account you still see your result, and this browser can return to it for 90 days.