The Influence of Low Self-Control and Thoughtfully Reflective Decision Making on Criminal Justice Processing

• In Event: Biosocial Research on Criminal Justice Outcomes

Abstract

Previous research indicates that low self-control is one the most consistent predictors of criminal involvement (Pratt & Cullen, 2000). Comparatively less research, however, has examined whether levels of self-control influence the likelihood of being apprehended for criminal behavior. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the influence of levels of self-control and thoughtfully reflective decision making on being processed by the criminal justice system. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research and the existing literature.

Authors

• Cashen Boccio, Florida State University

• Joseph A. Schwartz, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Kevin M. Beaver, Florida State University