A General Test of Self-Control Theory

Abstract

Self-control theory has been tested for 2 decades. However, mixed results and measurement problems have made it difficult to ascertain its true utility. This study addresses recent concerns and includes variables such as risk, consequences, criminal opportunity, an interaction term, and bond controls in one complete test. It also addresses self-control's ability to explain different forms of crime and whether the support that it has garnered has been exaggerated. Results of both cross-sectional and semilongitudinal tests indicate that self-control significantly predicts a higher probability of involvement in property and drug crime but is virtually silent in its ability to explain violence. Furthermore, it can be tentatively stated that support for the theory wanes over time. Finally, neglected concepts such as opportunity, risk, consequences, and bond controls may be important to the theory's ability to explain crime, and further negligence of these concepts may hamper a true understanding of its impact.

Exploring the link between self-control and partner violence: Bad parenting or general criminals

“…Finding the link between criminal histories and self-control points to the versatility of the theory, reinforcing the assertions of other researchers (Chapple & Hope, 2003). Some have claimed that theory has rarely been used to explain violence (Cretacci, 2008). This study shows that self-control explains partner violence among this sample.…”

“…For example, research should consider how opportunity and risk are related to the ties between self-control and partner violence (see Cretacci, 2008). Also, researchers should consider whether selfcontrol levels can be changed in partner abusers participating in treatment programs.…”

The Brief Self-Control Scale Predicts Jail Inmates’ Recidivism, Substance Dependence, and Post-Release Adjustment

“…“I have self-discipline”) (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). While this measurement method may circumvent some problems with self-report (e.g., focusing on concrete behaviors that require little insight), it can introduce a tautological problem of predictor criterion overlap when used to predict behavioral outcomes (Marcus, 2003; Cretacci, 2008). For example, in a study investigating the relationship between self-control and substance misuse, one would not want to measure self-control with an item “In the mood, I have drunk more than I could handle” (Marcus, 2003).…”

Comportamentos de risco para a saúde e associação com o autocontrole entre alunos do 9º ano do ensino fundamental no município de São Paulo

“…Um constructo que diz respeito ao perfil socioemocional é o autocontrole (AC). Sua ampla presença na literatura de diversos campos da ciência, sugere que o AC é um "elemento fundamental do comportamento humano" (Pilcher et al 2023(Pilcher et al p. 1109 Na população adolescente, o AC aparece associado a diversos comportamentos de risco, tais como comportamento antissocial , Cretacci 2008, Wikström and Svensson 2010, Wang et al 2012, Mears et al 2013, Özdemir et al 2013, Fine et al 2016, Harris et al 2020, uso de substâncias psicoativas legais e ilegais , Yun et al 2015, Leimberg and Lehmann 2020, perpetração de bullying Chan 2013, Moon andAlarid 2014), hábitos alimentares (Wills et al 2007 e sedentarismo (Williams and Ricciardelli 2003, Xiang et al 2020) Em estudo longitudinal, De Winter et al (2016 encontraram associação entre o AC e uma medida agregada de múltiplos CRSs. Há exemplos inclusive de estudos que vão além dos efeitos do AC nos comportamentos e avaliam desfechos em saúde tais como DCNTs, condição socioeconômica e criminalidade , Miller et al 2015 Um argumento favorável à importância do AC nos CRSs advém da abrangência geográfica dos estudos.…”

“…Há exemplos inclusive de estudos que vão além dos efeitos do AC nos comportamentos e avaliam desfechos em saúde tais como DCNTs, condição socioeconômica e criminalidade , Miller et al 2015 Um argumento favorável à importância do AC nos CRSs advém da abrangência geográfica dos estudos. Embora a maior parte dos estudos empíricos tenha sido realizada na população dos Estados Unidos, com variados perfis socioeconômicos , Wills et al 2007, Cretacci 2008, Mears et al 2013, Moon and Alarid 2014, Miller et al 2015, Fine et al 2016, Harris et al 2020, Leimberg and Lehmann 2020, há estudos realizados nos Países Baixos (de Winter et al 2016), Reino Unido (Wikström and Svensson 2010), Suíça , Israel (Agbaria and Daher 2015), Turquia (Özdemir et al 2013), China (Wang et al 2012), Coréia do Sul (Yun et al 2015), Macau (Chui and Chan 2013), Austrália (Williams and Ricciardelli 2003) e Nova Zelândia .…”