An Examination of the Impact of Self-Control on the Strain-Delinquency Process among Justice-Involved Youth

• In Event: Juvenile Delinquency and the Family: Additional Evidence

Abstract

Prior research on general strain theory has established the relationship between stressful experiences, negative emotions, and delinquent/criminal coping. However, less is known about certain negative affective states that may mediate this relationship, in addition to the potential moderating aspects of low self-control on these various pathways to delinquent behavior. Using data from the Pathways to Desistance study, the current study longitudinally examines how low self-control moderates the links between strain (i.e., parental arrest/incarceration), negative emotions (e.g., hostility, anxiety, depression), and self-reported delinquency among a sample of justice-involved youth who engaged in serious offending. The findings have important theoretical implications for general strain theory regarding self-control influences the strain to delinquency process and provides practical information that is valuable for youth-serving populations (e.g., families, communities, practitioners, policymakers) in reducing the consequences for youth who experience strain and stressful situations.

Authors

• Hyunmin Park, University of Central Florida

• James V. Ray, University of Central Florida

• Jennifer H. Peck, University of Central Florida