Exploring the Concept of Self-Discipline: Assessing the Structure and Reliability of a Newly Created Measurement Tool

Self-discipline involves consistently applying effort to manage impulses and desires that may hinder goal achievement. The overlap between self-discipline and related psychological constructs such as self control, self regulation etc., calls into question its uniqueness as a distinct concept. This highlights the needs for additional research to refine its assessment and to clarify its specific role in goal directed behaviour. This study explores self-discipline through the development of a self-report scale. It also examines its structure and relationship with prudence, self-efficacy, and aspects of emotional well-being measured through impulse control, stress, anxiety, and depression. Applying exploratory factor analysis with 342 participants aged 20 to 45, the study identified a three-factor model of self-discipline: orderliness, punctuality, and prioritisation. Orderliness and prioritisation were positively correlated to impulse control, prudence, and self-efficacy, and showed negligible associations with depression, stress, and anxiety. Punctuality was positively associated with impulse control and prudence, negatively with depression, anxiety, and stress, and had no significant association to self-efficacy. These findings help infer that self-discipline is a multi-dimensional construct with a unique pattern of relations with personality aspects.