<p class="first" id="d3159275e75">Does trait self-control (TSC) predict affective
well-being and life satisfaction--positively,
negatively, or not? We conducted three studies (Study 1: N = 414, 64% female, Mage = 35.0
years; Study 2: N = 208, 66% female, Mage = 25.24 years; Study 3: N = 234, 61% female,
Mage = 34.53 years). The key predictor was TSC, with affective well-being and life
satisfaction ratings as key outcomes. Potential explanatory constructs including goal
conflict, goal balancing, and emotional distress also were investigated. TSC is positively
related to affective well-being and life satisfaction, and managing goal conflict
is a key as to why. All studies, moreover, showed that the effect of TSC on life satisfaction
is at least partially mediated by affect. Study 1's correlational study established
the effect. Study 2's experience sampling approach demonstrated that compared to those
low in TSC, those high in TSC experience higher levels of momentary affect even as
they experience desire, an effect partially mediated through experiencing lower conflict
and emotional distress. Study 3 found evidence for the proposed mechanism--that TSC
may boost well-being by helping people avoid frequent conflict and balance vice-virtue
conflicts by favoring virtues. Self-control positively contributes to happiness through
avoiding and dealing with motivational conflict.
</p>