NCJ Number
227818
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 46 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 353-376
Date Published
August 2009
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effect sizes of self-control and the two measures of delinquent peers cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
Abstract
Results found that self-control had a larger effect on self-reported delinquency than delinquent peers when a more precise measure of delinquent peers was considered, garnering more support for self-control theory than social learning theory. At the same time, however, the results also suggest that an integrated model including concepts from the two theories might prove to be fruitful. However, a moderate effect of peer delinquency (and time spent with peers) remained, indicating that self-control as the single explanation of crime is an overstatement. Partial support for the secondary hypothesis of an interaction between self-control and peer delinquency was also found. Specifically, the longitudinal interaction analysis indicates that the deterrent effect of self-control weakens as peer delinquency increases, and the facilitating effect of peer delinquency strengthens as self-control increases. Data were collected from the NSCR School Project, a Netherlands-based study that focuses on peer network formation, personal development, and school intervention in the development of problem behavior and delinquency. Tables, figure, appendix A-B, notes, and references