Low Self-Control, Social Learning, and Delinquency.

• In Event: Peers, Self-control and Offending

Abstract

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory views the relationship between social learning variables and delinquency as spurious because both are a result of low self-control. In the present study, a different possibility is considered—specifically, social learning variables may operate in conjunction with low self-control to influence delinquency. This study empirically tests both mediating and moderating arrangements between low self-control, social learning variables, and delinquency. First, low self-control is argued to have effects on delinquency that are mediated by social learning variables. Second, effects of low self-control are expected to be conditional upon social learning variables, such that the effects of low self-control are amplified among individuals with greater delinquent associations and definitions. These hypotheses are tested with data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods.

Authors

• Jorge Luis Hernandez, Florida State Universtiy

• Brian Stults, Florida State University

• Carter Hay, Florida State University