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'Persistent heterogeneity' v. 'state dependence': A cross-sectional test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control stability hypothesis

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Date Issued:
2006
Summary:
In A General Theory Of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) suggest that "low self-control" is an enduring individual characteristic that is the product of inadequate child-rearing. Sampson and Laub's (1993) Crime In the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life somewhat supports this contention. However, the latter authors also suggest that later life experiences might change the direction of the life path (and self-control). This thesis examines whether adequate child-rearing is the key causal determinant of low self-control in later life. It further tests whether later life-course transitions might alter and/or impact low self-control. The results suggest that the impact of early child-hood experiences continue to have an influence on self-control in later life. However, they also suggest that later life-course events (or transitions) can alter the proposed stability of such control. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Title: 'Persistent heterogeneity' v. 'state dependence': A cross-sectional test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control stability hypothesis.
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Name(s): Medlicott, Sandra
Florida Atlantic University, Degree Grantor
Arneklev, Bruce J., Thesis Advisor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Issued: 2006
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 55 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: In A General Theory Of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) suggest that "low self-control" is an enduring individual characteristic that is the product of inadequate child-rearing. Sampson and Laub's (1993) Crime In the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life somewhat supports this contention. However, the latter authors also suggest that later life experiences might change the direction of the life path (and self-control). This thesis examines whether adequate child-rearing is the key causal determinant of low self-control in later life. It further tests whether later life-course transitions might alter and/or impact low self-control. The results suggest that the impact of early child-hood experiences continue to have an influence on self-control in later life. However, they also suggest that later life-course events (or transitions) can alter the proposed stability of such control. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Identifier: 9780542739255 (isbn), 13363 (digitool), FADT13363 (IID), fau:10213 (fedora)
Note(s): Thesis (M.J.P.M.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2006.
Subject(s): Self-control in children
Child rearing
Deviant behavior
Juvenile delinquency--Cross-cultural studies
Criminal behavior, Prediction of
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13363
Sublocation: Digital Library
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.