Self-Control, Victimization, and Their Influence on Risky Lifestyles: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Panel Data

• NCJ Number: 216295
• Journal: Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2006 Pages: 319-340
• Author(s): Christopher J. Schreck; Eric A. Stewart; Bonnie S. Fisher
• Date Published: December 2006
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether victims' low self-control at one point in time could predict future victimization and whether victims altered lifestyle choices, such as their own delinquency and association with delinquent peers, in response to earlier victimization.

Abstract

Using Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) definition of low self-control as the tendency to act as if long-term negative consequences did not exist, this study found that low self-control measured at an earlier time was associated with later victimization, even after controlling for past victimization, delinquency, social bonds, and delinquent peer contact. Regarding lifestyle changes due to earlier victimization, this study found that individuals with low self-control were significantly more likely to maintain their delinquent behaviors and association with delinquent friends following earlier victimization than those with greater self-control. If these findings are confirmed in future research, this suggests that efforts to instill self-control in young children, combined with situational crime prevention education might be the most promising way to protect them from victimization and repeat victimization. The study used the first three waves of panel data from the national evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training program (1995-1999). Six cities that ranged from large-sized to medium-sized participated in the study. The initial data collection (1995) sampled 3,500 sixth and seventh graders who attended 22 schools. Response rates for each of the three waves were 87 percent, 80 percent, and 86 percent, respectively. In waves one and three, respondents were asked about the number of times they were physically assaulted, robbed, or had property stolen in the past year. Eight questions assessed the components of low self-control. Other variables measured were association with delinquent peers, self-reported delinquency, parental attachment, and school attachment. Control variables were gender, race, family socioeconomic status, and age. 2 tables, 4 figures, and 76 references