Criminogenic Factors Impacting Financial Outcomes in Early Adulthood: Findings from the Long-Term Follow-Up of G.R.E.A.T.

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The panel presents results from an NIJ-funded extension of data collected as part of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) evaluation. The G.R.E.A.T. evaluation was a cluster randomized control trial that included six waves of data collected across five years (2006-2012). Data collection wrapped when the 3,820 respondents were approximately 15 years old. This panel presents findings from a long-term follow-up with the respondents who are now approximately 30 years of age. As part of the follow-up, we accessed four years (2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024) of credit records on the respondents. This panel will first discuss the methodology behind the original GREAT evaluation and the follow-up. Then we present three empirical papers that explore the adult financial outcomes associated with theoretically relevant adolescent characteristics, in those who 1) were involved in a youth gang, 2) received the GREAT program, and 3) reported varying levels and trajectories of self-control in adolescence.

Sub Unit

• Area II. Perspectives on Crime / 2. Developmental and Life Course Perspectives

Individual Presentations

• G.R.E.A.T. Methodology and Longitudinal Extension - Amanda Witwer, Michigan State University; Chris Melde, Michigan State University; Dena Carson, Indiana University Indianapolis; Steven Chermak, Michigan State University; Grace Henry, Michigan State University; Steven Wu-Chaves, Michigan State University

• Financial Instability in Young Adulthood as a Consequence of Youth Gang Membership - Chris Melde, Michigan State University; Dena Carson, Indiana University Indianapolis; Steven Chermak, Michigan State University; Steven Wu-Chaves, Michigan State University

• Unintended Positive Impacts of the G.R.E.A.T. Program: How does the Treatment Group Fare Financially? - Dena Carson, Indiana University Indianapolis; Chris Melde, Michigan State University; Steven Chermak, Michigan State University; Steven Wu-Chaves, Michigan State University

• Self-control and Financial Well-Being: Exploring the Long-Term Impact - Thomas Wojciechowski, Michigan State University; Chris Melde, Michigan State University; Steven Chermak, Michigan State University; Dena Carson, Indiana University Indianapolis

Chair

• Finn-Aage Esbensen, University of Missouri-St. Louis