This meta-analysis examines the relationship between trait self-control and a wide range of behaviors. The study analyzed 102 studies (N = 32,648) using the Self-Control Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Low Self-Control Scale. Results showed a small to medium positive effect of self-control on behavior. The Self-Control Scale allowed for a detailed analysis of moderators, revealing that self-control relates similarly to both desired and undesired behaviors but varies across life domains. Associations between self-control and behavior were stronger for automatic and imagined behaviors than for controlled and actual behaviors. Self-control is defined as the capacity to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is associated with adaptive behavior and is considered a key component of self-regulation. Research distinguishes between state and dispositional self-control, with dispositional self-control being more stable. High self-control is linked to better academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and lower rates of substance abuse and aggression. Low self-control is associated with deviant behavior, health risks, and poor academic outcomes. Theories of self-control include the discounting model of impulsiveness, the hot/cool system approach, and the self-regulatory strength model. These theories generally agree that self-control involves conscious effort to inhibit impulses and promote desired behaviors. However, empirical evidence for the equal effectiveness of self-control in promoting desired and inhibiting undesired behaviors is limited. The meta-analysis found that self-control is beneficial across various behavioral domains, including academic performance, health behaviors, and affect regulation. Self-control is effortful and conscious, and its effects may vary between controlled and automatic behaviors. Additionally, self-control may influence actual behavior more than imagined behavior, though this requires further empirical investigation. The study used three self-control scales: the Self-Control Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Low Self-Control Scale. These scales were evaluated for their reliability and validity in measuring self-control. The analysis considered study and sample characteristics, including study design, publication status, and demographic factors, to assess the impact of self-control on behavior. Results indicated that self-control has a consistent positive effect on behavior across different domains, though the magnitude of this effect may vary depending on the type of behavior and the context in which it is assessed.This meta-analysis examines the relationship between trait self-control and a wide range of behaviors. The study analyzed 102 studies (N = 32,648) using the Self-Control Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Low Self-Control Scale. Results showed a small to medium positive effect of self-control on behavior. The Self-Control Scale allowed for a detailed analysis of moderators, revealing that self-control relates similarly to both desired and undesired behaviors but varies across life domains. Associations between self-control and behavior were stronger for automatic and imagined behaviors than for controlled and actual behaviors. Self-control is defined as the capacity to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is associated with adaptive behavior and is considered a key component of self-regulation. Research distinguishes between state and dispositional self-control, with dispositional self-control being more stable. High self-control is linked to better academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and lower rates of substance abuse and aggression. Low self-control is associated with deviant behavior, health risks, and poor academic outcomes. Theories of self-control include the discounting model of impulsiveness, the hot/cool system approach, and the self-regulatory strength model. These theories generally agree that self-control involves conscious effort to inhibit impulses and promote desired behaviors. However, empirical evidence for the equal effectiveness of self-control in promoting desired and inhibiting undesired behaviors is limited. The meta-analysis found that self-control is beneficial across various behavioral domains, including academic performance, health behaviors, and affect regulation. Self-control is effortful and conscious, and its effects may vary between controlled and automatic behaviors. Additionally, self-control may influence actual behavior more than imagined behavior, though this requires further empirical investigation. The study used three self-control scales: the Self-Control Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Low Self-Control Scale. These scales were evaluated for their reliability and validity in measuring self-control. The analysis considered study and sample characteristics, including study design, publication status, and demographic factors, to assess the impact of self-control on behavior. Results indicated that self-control has a consistent positive effect on behavior across different domains, though the magnitude of this effect may vary depending on the type of behavior and the context in which it is assessed.