The Intersection of Self-Control Theory, Objective Self-Awareness, and Mindfulness

This study investigates how changes in self-awareness impact criminological self-control and the degree to which mindfulness buffers against these changes. To accomplish this task, 118 undergraduate participants were recruited and surveyed prior to and after a statistics test.  Surveys included the Grasmick et al. (1993) Self-Control Scale which measures criminal impulsivity. Additional scales included the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Positive Negative Affect Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. These results showed a significant increase in negative affect, a significant decrease in self-esteem, and a significant reduction in self-control after the posttest. These changes were significantly correlated with exam satisfaction. Also, the participants demonstrated self-reported increases in several items on the Self-Control scale including impulsivity, self-centeredness, and a preference for physical compared to mental tasks. When mindfulness was included as a covariate, none of the changes were significant. Results and limitations are discussed.