Good Kids Feeling Bad? Assessing the Association of Self-esteem with Delinquency and Criminal Behavior in At-Risk Populations through Meta-analysis

• In Event: The Influence of Empathy and Emotions on Delinquency

Abstract

Self-esteem is commonly seen as an important protective factor in relation to criminal and delinquent behavior. Although numerous prevention programs focus on increasing self-esteem among youth to keep them from engaging in delinquency, there are mixed findings in relation to the effect that self-esteem may have on delinquency. Some researchers theorize that high self-esteem may be more closely related with delinquency among at-risk populations. However, there has not been a systematic quantitative review of prior research regarding the effect of self-esteem on delinquency and criminal behavior in at-risk populations. We will use meta-analysis to assess the effect of self-esteem on delinquency and crime in different populations, and we will explore relevant moderators and alternative hypotheses raised by prior literature to see how the overall relationship changes. Implications for policy and future research will also be discussed.

Authors

• Roshni Trehan Ladny, Florida State University

• Carrie Sue Mier, Florida State University