NCJ Number
227548
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: 2009 Pages: 35-60
Date Published
2009
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between the individual characteristic of self-control and risky lifestyle to explain violent victimization.
Abstract
Results found that lower levels of self-control lead to higher prevalence and frequency of violent victimization. However, the explained variance in each of the models was relatively small, suggesting the importance of additional factors in the prediction of violent victimization among middle school students. These factors may be related to association with certain peer groups, school achievement, personality, and other types of lifestyle choices such as prior delinquency or drug use. Gang membership also had an effect on both the prevalence and frequency of violent victimization. Although gang membership is not a comprehensive measure of risky lifestyle, results suggest that individuals who choose to lead a gang lifestyle, which is characterized by a variety of risky behaviors, tend to experience a greater likelihood of violent victimization. Mediating effects of low self-control and gang membership were not supported with these data. The results of the study provide support for Schreck's (1999) self-control-victimization theory. Data were collected from 3,907 middle school students who participated in the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.) program during the 1993-1994 school year. Tables and references