That point was made yesterday by Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study director Prof Richie Poulton, in a talk given to about 35 people at the University of Otago Moot Court.
Prof Poulton was speaking at a public meeting hosted by the Dunedin branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform.
Prof Poulton acknowledged the limitations of imprisonment and said the continuing Dunedin Study, of more than 1000 people born in the city in the early 1970s, clearly showed the importance of better self-control in early childhood.
This was a strong indicator of better mental and physical health, reduced criminal propensities and substance dependence, as well as greater wealth and happiness, in later life.
Self-control was a skill that could be taught and it was like a muscle that could be strengthened through regular exercise.
These were key opportunities to learn in childhood and adolescence but people could also learn to improve their self-control throughout the lives.
Possibilities for teaching self-control were being considered in official circles, and this approach would provide a ''wonderful opportunity'' to gain more positive outcomes.
Asked if people in prison could also be taught self-control, Prof Poulton said they could, if the prisoner was also respected ''as a human being''. He was ''not overly optimistic'' in every case.
