Exploring Change in Self-control in The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study

• In Event: Exploring the Role of Self-Control in Offending

Abstract

Gottfredson & Hirschi’s (1990) general theory of crime posits that self-control remains stable beyond the age of eight years old. However, since the theory’s inception, research has consistently shown that self-control can and does change for some individuals well beyond early childhood (Hay & Forrest, 2006; Na & Paternoster 2012, Ray et al. 2013). Despite these findings, there remains a need to better understand when, how, and why self-control changes for these individuals. Accordingly, this study examines the factors that contribute to changes in self-control beyond the proposed developmental period. Drawing on theoretical and empirical research from multiple paradigms of self-control, this study analyzes data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study—the largest longitudinal study of adolescent brain development and behavior available to date. Key research questions include: (1) Which facets of self-control change over time? (2) If these measures of self-control do change throughout early adolescence, why? Implications for future research and theory will be discussed.

Author

• Jacob Judd, Florida State University