Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department (Legacy)
Department of Justice Administration
Committee Chair
Higgins, George Edward
Author's Keywords
Race; Self-control theory; Offending; Parental management; Racial disparities
Subject
Self-control in children; Crime and race; Parent and teenager; Teenagers--Family relationships
Abstract
This study seeks to examine whether racial disparities in offending can be explained through self-control theory. The study utilized longitudinal responses of a nationally representative sample of 1700 adolescents. Parenting and self-control measures are taken from the mothers supplemental survey and peer pressure and offending are taken from self-reports from the adolescents at a later time. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the racial differences in self-control theory. Both a measurement model and a structural model are presented. The results of the study find empirical support for the construct of self-control theory, even within the face of racial disparities. However, support was not found for the link between race and parenting and therefore does not show support for self-control theory's assumption that parenting can account for differences in offending across races. Both theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Kirchner, EmmaLeigh E., "Self-control theory : an exploration of racial disparities in offending." (2011). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 757.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/757
