Equity-Control Model as a Predictor of Vandalism Among College Students

• NCJ Number: 111642
• Journal: Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 80-91
• Author(s): S W DeMore; J D Fisher; R M Baron
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in April 1984.

Annotation

This study tests the equity-control model of vandalism among college students, which hypothesizes that vandalism is most likely among persons with a perceived lack of fairness in their social or environmental arrangements and a perceived inability to modify outcomes and arrangements.

Abstract

To test the model, 30 males and 28 females in an introductory college psychology course were surveyed. Part I of the questionnaire tapped subjects' perceived equity and control vis-a-vis the university. Part II, which was administered anonymously, determined whether subjects had engaged in vandalism. The model's major hypothesis was supported by the results. The interaction of perceived equity and control occurred as predicted by the model. Males perceived lower levels of equity and control than females and also committed more vandalism. The present study may have implications for how vandalism can be prevented among college students. To reduce vandalism in both sexes, feelings of low equity and low control might be channeled into constructive behaviors that could restore equity and control. The present study also indicates the need for future research on vandalism, especially experimental or field studies. 3 tables and 17 references. (Author abstract modified)