NCJ Number
223531
Journal
Criminology Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 479-510
Date Published
May 2008
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Using data from a random-sample household survey in Lviv, Ukraine, this study examined the predictive strength of self-control theory compared to morality (internalized set of beliefs and values individuals use to guide their behavior), as well as its interconnections with morality in accounting for the risk for criminal behavior.
Abstract
The study found that morality had stronger associations with measures of crime and withstood the influence of control variables better than the variable of self-control, such that morality seemed to be a general and key predictor of criminal conduct, even when self-control was taken into account. The findings provide weak support for the concept that self-control generally interacts with morality in determining whether or not people engage in crime/deviance. At best, the findings suggest that morality may influence the operation of self-control for some offense. For such offenses, morality has a greater chance of reducing crime as self-control increases. Study data were drawn from a random-sample household survey conducted in Lviv, Ukraine, in the fall of 2006. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 500 eligible adults from 150 households. In each household, one adult 18 years old or older was interviewed. Self-control was measured with a Grasmick et al. scale and a behavioral measure derived from reports of 10 "imprudent" behaviors that do not involve force or fraud for self-gratification. Respondents' moral judgments regarding specific acts were used to form a general measure of morality. As dependent variables, respondents provided self-reports on the commission of seven force and fraud offenses and their projection of their likelihood of performing them in the future. 3 tables and 71 references