Is self-control a one- or multi-dimensional empirical construct?

According to Gottfredson & Hirschi's (1990) theoretical approach, self-control is a personality trait consisting of different sub-dimensions. This study examines whether three of these sub-dimensions (risk-seeking, impulsiveness, and temper) arc really part of an underlying syndrome (one-dimensional viewpoint). Additionally, a multi-dimensional viewpoint is also suggested; this implies that these sub-dimensions are independent of each other, but correlated to one another. Because factor-analysis cannot help to decide which of the two viewpoints is right, several structural equation models are tested that simultaneously take into account causes, consequences, and opportunities of low self-control. Results show that causes such as parental monitoring, parental violence, or gender explain the three sub-dimensions of low self-control to differing degrees. The three sub-dimensions also explain delinquency in a different manner. It is only in the case of risk-seeking that correlations can be found that one would expect front the self-control theory. In contrast, impulsiveness is not or is only in a negative sense, related to delinquency.