Link discovered between self-control in childhood and success
Researchers report observing a link between self-control during childhood and success, socio-professional success, and health later in life.
Having good self-control during childhood would be a guarantee of socio-professional success in future life, suggests a new scientific study, published in the journal PNAS.
The researchers here followed 1,037 children born in New Zealand between 1972 and 1973, and included in the study when they were between the ages of 3 and 11. Participants self-control was assessed through various indicators such as impulsiveness or ease of frustration, but also the ability to complete a project despite frustration. The team also interviewed the childrens teachers and parents.
Decades later, the participants, who were then 45 years old, were again interviewed by the researchers, this time to find out how their lives had gone, what had become of them.
By cross-checking the data, the researchers were able to observe that people who had a high degree of self-control during childhood had aged, on average, better than those with low self-control. being a child. They showed fewer signs of brain aging and were in better overall health. Children who had great self-control also performed better socially and financially than others, with better IQ and social position.
In light of these results, the study authors believe that it is crucial to focus more on the self-control problems of young children, as the benefits seem important for their future life.