Stop and Start Control Scales
Measures two distinct components of self-control: stop control (inhibiting unwanted impulses) and start control (initiating and persisting in desired behaviors).
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Stop and Start Control Scales was developed by B. J. de Boer, E. A. J. Van Hooft, & A. B. Bakker (2011). It is designed to measure Self-control. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 17 items organized into 2 factors/subscales: Stop control, Start control.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Stop control | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | 9 |
| Start control | 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17 | 8 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a 7-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree).
The scale includes 6 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 17 to 119. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Self-Control: 17 – 51
- Moderate Self-Control: 52 – 85
- High Self-Control: 86 – 119
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Stop control alpha = 0.73, Start control alpha = 0.72.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.