The Interactive Effects of Social Learning Theory and Psychopathy on Adolescent Criminal Behavior

• In Event: New Directions in Social Learning Theory

Abstract

This study addresses a very unique research question: Is there a relationship between social learning theory, psychopathy, and juvenile violent behavior? While some theorists argue that SLT is a general theory of crime, other scholars believe that additional constructs, such as self-control, are also essential to a model in order to avoid misspecification effects. One influential and empirically validated construct capturing criminal propensity is psychopathy. Therefore, do social learning and/or psychopathy independently predict violence while controlling for the mutual influences? Subsequently, what is the nature and extent of the interactive effect between SLT and psychopathy? This study explores these issues using the Pathways to Desistance Project data, which is primarily focused on serious adolescent offenders.

Authors

• Brandy Barenna Henderson, University of South Florida

• Shayne Jones, University of South Florida