Self Reported Offending and Antisocial Potential: An Empirical Test of ICAP Theory

• In Event: Developmental and Life-course Approaches to the Examination of Offending

Abstract

Within the Integrated Cognitive Antisocial Potential (ICAP) theory, the key construct underlying offending is antisocial potential (AP), which refers to the potential to commit antisocial acts. Previous research testing this theory has shown that AP: is relatively stable but deceases over time; predicts convictions; is predicted by socio-economic, school, child-rearing, and impulsivity. The relationship between AP scores and self-reported delinquency remains under-examined. Convictions reflect official biases in the arrest, charging, and court processes. These official biases will tend to mask and reduce the relationship between AP scores and convictions. Self-reported delinquency may provide a less biased measure of offending. This paper will utilize measures of self-reported offending in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD) to examine the relationship of antisocial potential to self-reported offending. The CSDD is a prospective longitudinal study of 411 inner-city London boys who were followed up from childhood to age 48. Between 2004 and 2013, efforts were made to interview the biological children of the original study males. There were 551 interviewed at an average age of 25. The relationship of AP to self reported offending in the study men and their male offspring will be reported.

Authors

• Tara Renae Renae McGee, Griffith University

• David Farrington, Cambridge University