Bullies, Fights, and Guns: Testing Self-Control Theory with Juveniles

• NCJ Number: 192930
• Author(s): Stacey Nofziger
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 186 pages
• Sale Source: LFB Scholarly Publishing LLC
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research sought to determine whether self-control theory predicted adolescent youths’ participation in various forms of intimidation and violence.

Abstract

The study analyzed juvenile violence and intimidation ranging from name calling and schoolyard bullying to physical assaults involving the use of weapons, with emphasis of self-control theory as outlined in Gottfredson and Hirschi’s General Theory of Crime. The analysis began by examining the basic differences between self-control theory and subcultural theories. It next elaborated the basic components of the general theory of crime, specifically addressing how the central concept of self-control can and should be measured and the nature of the role of the family in the development of this characteristic. The research used survey data from middle and high school students in Fayetteville, AR, to test this theory and determine whether it was capable of predicting juvenile use of intimidation and violence. Data collection took place in May 1997. Data came from 1,139 students in grades 9 through 11 in 4 schools. The two-part instrument contained 200 self-report items on topics ranging from diet and exercise to participation in gang violence. Results revealed that intimidation and violence in various forms were common among these youths. The most common acts of intimidation and violence were bullying behaviors, including teasing, excluding others from social groups, and physical bullying such as pushing and shoving. The least common form of intimidating or violent behaviors related to weapon use. Greater self-control decreased intimidation and violence; greater opportunity increased intimidation and violence. Findings provided much support for elf-control theory, but they also indicated the need for refinement of the models used. The analysis concluded that each model used did support self-control theory, but future tests that include more expansive predictors of the behaviors, along with measures of self-control and opportunity, may provide a better understanding of juvenile intimidation and violence. Tables, figures, index, appended instrument, and 200 references