NCJ Number
236161
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2011 Pages: 302-311
Date Published
July 2011
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined Robert Agnew's general theory of crime and delinquency to determine whether the five variables at the core of the theory were related to recidivism.
Abstract
The study found that two of five life domain variables at the core of Agnew's general theory of crime were significantly correlated with recidivism in offenders. In addition, the study found that for four of the five variables, there was neither a linear nor a non-linear relationship between the variables and recidivism. The results also show that none of the five life domain variables interacted in any significant way to cause or increase the risk of recidivism. This study examined whether the five life domain variables at the core of Robert Agnew's theory of crime and delinquency were related to recidivism. The study also examined whether a linear or non-linear relationship existed between the variables and recidivism, and whether the five variables interacted with each other in causing recidivism. Data for the study were obtained from two sources: the Maryland Boot Camp Experiment, an experimental evaluation designed to assess the efficacy of the State's only correctional boot camp for adult offenders; and through a criminal records check conducted by the Maryland Department of Public Safety. The five life domain variables that Agnew claims are the primary causes of crime are self, family, peers, school, and work. These five variables were tested to determine the extent of their influence on crime and recidivism. The findings from this study indicate that for serious offenders, Agnew's general theory of crime does not produce significant results regarding recidivism. Implications for future research are noted. Tables, notes, and references