On the Intersection of Self-Control & Victimization Across Advanced Stages of the Life-Course

• In Event: Biosocial Pathways in Criminology: From Behavioral Traits to Biological Aging

Abstract

Self-control remains one of the most widely studied psychological constructs in the behavioral sciences. Within the field of criminology, it has repeatedly emerged as a consistent correlate of victimization and more recent evidence using family studies suggests the associations may represent genuine causal effects. Owing primarily to a dearth of evidence on the topic, it remains unclear whether, and to what extent, these results persistent in the more advanced stages of the life-course. Using national data from multiple sources, along with a family-based analytical framework, we examine the relationship between indicators of self-control, experiences of victimization, and various measures of health and well-being in aging adults. Our findings should begin to offer some insight as to how the confluence of adverse experience (victimization) and impulse regulation helps to shape quality of life as humans age.

Authors

• Ana Carolina Stoffel, University of Mississippi

• Brian Boutwell, University of Mississippi