Scaling-up self-control: A macro-level investigation of self-control at the county level
Author(s)
Diamond, Brie
Jennings, Wesley G
Piquero, Alex R
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2018
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Purpose:
Extensive prior research has documented the relationship between self-control and deviance, albeit almost exclusively at the individual level. In fact, only two recent examinations of self-control and adverse outcomes (including deviance) exist at the macro-level.
Methods:
In order to extend prior research, this study relies on data from all counties in the state of Texas with a population of over 10,000 residents to provide a county-level analysis of the ability of macro-level self-control to predict three outcomes: violent crime, property crime, and unemployment rates.
Results:
Exploratory factor analyses supported ...
View more >Purpose: Extensive prior research has documented the relationship between self-control and deviance, albeit almost exclusively at the individual level. In fact, only two recent examinations of self-control and adverse outcomes (including deviance) exist at the macro-level. Methods: In order to extend prior research, this study relies on data from all counties in the state of Texas with a population of over 10,000 residents to provide a county-level analysis of the ability of macro-level self-control to predict three outcomes: violent crime, property crime, and unemployment rates. Results: Exploratory factor analyses supported the existence of two macro-level dimensions of self-control, e.g., initiatory and inhibitory self-control. Subsequent correlational and predictive regression analyses provided evidence of the linkages between these macro-level indicators of self-control and a number of adverse outcomes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of continued inquiry into macro-level indicators of self-control and the role of macro-level manifestations of self-control in policy and prevention initiatives to promote crime prevention and prevent adult adjustment problems such as unemployment.
View less >
View more >Purpose: Extensive prior research has documented the relationship between self-control and deviance, albeit almost exclusively at the individual level. In fact, only two recent examinations of self-control and adverse outcomes (including deviance) exist at the macro-level. Methods: In order to extend prior research, this study relies on data from all counties in the state of Texas with a population of over 10,000 residents to provide a county-level analysis of the ability of macro-level self-control to predict three outcomes: violent crime, property crime, and unemployment rates. Results: Exploratory factor analyses supported the existence of two macro-level dimensions of self-control, e.g., initiatory and inhibitory self-control. Subsequent correlational and predictive regression analyses provided evidence of the linkages between these macro-level indicators of self-control and a number of adverse outcomes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of continued inquiry into macro-level indicators of self-control and the role of macro-level manifestations of self-control in policy and prevention initiatives to promote crime prevention and prevent adult adjustment problems such as unemployment.
View less >
Journal Title
JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Volume
56
Subject
Criminology