Between Extremes: Exploring the Complexities of Mid-Spectrum Self-Control on Offending

• In Event: Expanding Control Theory: An Exploration of Social Control, Self-Control, and Neutralization Strategies to Explain Crime

Abstract

Mears and colleagues (2013) previously developed the idea that the effect of self-control on offending may be nonlinear with distinct threshold points. That is, the impact of self-control on offending shows little variation at very low or very high levels of self-control, but it significantly varies for individuals with medium levels. Consequently, they emphasized the need for future studies to explore the underlying reasons for these threshold effects. In contrast, Sullivan and Loughran (2014) also examined the functional form between self-control and offending but found the relationship to be approximately linear, highlighting the necessity of investigating the consistency of these non-linear effects across diverse samples and methods. This discrepancy raises questions about the nature of the self-control-offending relationship, prompting further investigation. To better understand the functional form of this relationship, the current study will (1) examine the nonlinear effect of self-control on offending across a broad sample with varied statistical methods to assess consistency, and (2) explore the moderating impact of variables that may influence offending probabilities in individuals with medium levels of self-control. By incorporating these elements, this research aims to better understand the complex dynamics of self-control and offending, offering insights for theory and policy.

Author

• Jacob Judd, Florida State University