Skip to main content
Log in

Evaluating the Dimensionality and Invariance of ”Low Self-Control”

  • Published:
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) A General Theory ofCrime, all illegal activity is the manifestation of a single underlyingcause. The authors argue that inadequate child-rearing causes individualsto develop a similar type of propensity for criminal and analogousbehavior. Gottfredson and Hirschi label this characteristic“low self-control.” Six dimensions, which can be identified intheir theory, are suggested to comprise a final low self-controltrait. Further, low self-control is proposed to be an invariantcharacteristic (i.e., its form does not change with the age of theindividual or context in which the person resides). In this research, weevaluate these two propositions. First, the six dimensions are measured andused to determine if a multidimensional model can explain another commonfactor—low self-control—in two samples of individuals (fromdifferent locales) with dissimilar mean ages. Second, low self-control inboth samples is tested for invariance. We test the proposed invariance oflow self-control by examining if the parameter values in a model, which isreflective of Gottfredson and Hirschi's conceptualization of thecharacteristic, differ across the two samples of individuals. The resultssupport both of Gottfredson and Hirschi's propositions. Lowself-control does appear to be a multidimensional characteristic whosedimensions represent another common factor. Low self-control also appears tobe an invariant latent trait that members of these two samplespossess. These tests help to clarify Gottfredson and Hirschi'sconceptualization of low self-control.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • Arneklev, B. J., Grasmick, H. G., Tittle, C. R., and Bursik, R. J.,Jr. (1993). Low self-control and imprudent behavior. J. Quant. Criminol. 9: 225–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arneklev, B. J., Cochran, J. K., and Gainey, R. R. (1998). Testing Gottfredson and Hirschi's “low self-control” stability hypothesis: An exploratory study. Am. J. Crim. Just. 23: 107–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, H. D. (1991). Explaining crimes and analogous acts, or the unrestrained will grab at pleasure whenever they can. J. Crim. Law Criminol. 82: 229–242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartusch D. R. J., Lynam, D. R., Moffitt, T. E., and Silva, P. A. (1997). Is age important? Testing a general versus a developmental theory of antisocial behavior. Criminology35: 13–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, M. L., and Moore, E. (1992). Are white-collar and common offenders the same? An empirical and theoretical critique of a recently proposed general theory of crime. J. Res. Crime Delinq. 29: 251–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural Equations with Latent Variables, John Wiley, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brownfield, D., and Sorenson, A. M. (1993). Self-control and juvenile delinquency: Theoretical issues and an empirical assessment of selected elements of a general theory of crime. Deviant Behav. 14: 243–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bursik, R. J.,Jr. (1980). The dynamics of specialization in juvenile offenses. Soc. Forces58: 851–864.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caspi, A., Moffit, T. E., Silva, P. A., Stouthamer-Loeber, M., Krueger, R. F., and Schmutte, P. S. (1994). Are some people crime-prone? Replications of the personality-crime relationship across countries, genders, races, and methods. Criminology32: 163–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cernkovich, S. A., and Giordano, P. C. (1987). Family relationships and delinquency. Criminology25: 295–321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, T. D., Cullen, F. T., Burton, V. S., Jr., Dunaway, R. G., and Benson, M. L. (1997). The social consequences of self-control: Testing the general theory of crime. Criminology35: 475–501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottfredson, M. R., and Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime, Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs, J. J., and Geiver, D. (1995). Self-control and its manifestations among university students: An empirical test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory. Just. Q. 12: 231–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grasmick, H. G., Tittle, C. R., Bursik, R. J.,Jr., and Arneklev, B. J. (1993). Testing the core empirical implications of Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime. J. Res. Crime Delinq. 30: 5–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hindelang, M. J. (1971). Age, sex, and the versatility of delinquent involvements. Soc. Problems18: 522–535.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hindelang, M. J., Hirschi, T., and Weis, J. (1981). Measuring Delinquency, Sage, Newbury Park, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirschi, T. (1983). Crime and the family. In Wilson, J. Q. (ed.), Crime and Public Policy, Institute for Contemporary Studies, San Francisco.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirschi, T. (1986). On the compatibility of rational choice and social control theories of crime. In Cornish, D., and Clarke, R. (eds.), The Reasoning Criminal, Springer-Verlag, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirschi, T., and Gottfredson, M. (1993). Commentary: Testing the general theory of crime. J. Res. Crime Delinq. 30: 47–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, L., and Bentler, P. M. (1995). Evaluating model fit. In Hoyle, R. H. (ed.), Structural Equation Modeling: Concepts, Issues, and Applications, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joreskog, K. G., and Sorbom, D. (1979). Advances in Factor Analysis and Structure Equation Models, Abt Books, Cambridge, MA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joreskog, K. G., and Sorbom, D. (1989). LISREL 7: User's Reference Guide, Scientific Software, Mooresville, IN.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joreskog, K. G., and Sorbom, D. (1996). LISREL 8: User's Reference Guide, Scientific Software, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keane, C., Maxim, P. S., and Teevan, J. J. (1993). Drinking and driving: Testing a general theory of crime. J. Res. Crime Delinq. 30: 30–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kempf, K. L. (1987). Specialization and the criminal career. Criminology25: 399–420.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, M. (1984). Offense specialization and versatility among juveniles. Br. J. Criminol. 24: 185–194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Land, K. C. (1992). Models of criminal careers: Some suggestions for moving beyond the current debate. Criminology30: 149–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loeber, R., and Stouthamer-Loeber, M. (1986). Family factors as correlates and predictors of juvenile conduct problems and delinquency. In Tonry, M., and Morris, N. (eds.), Crime and Justice: An Annual Review of Research, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp. 29–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Longshore, D. (1996). Self-control and opportunity as predictors of criminal involvement: Testing the general theory of crime. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Longshore, D. (1997). Self-control and competing criminological constructs as correlates of deviance. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology, San Diego, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Longshore, D., Turner, S., and Stein, J. A. (1996). Self-control in a criminal sample: An examination of construct validity. Criminology34: 209–228.

    Google Scholar 

  • Longshore, D., Stein, J. A., and Turner, S. (1998). Reliability and validity of a self-control measure: Rejoinder. Criminology36: 175–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marenin, O., and Reisig, M. D. (1995). “A general theory of crime” and patterns of crime in Nigeria: An exploration of methodological assumptions. J. Crim. Just. 23: 501–518.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCord, J. (1991a). The cycle of crime and socialization practices. J. Crim. Law Criminol. 82: 211–228.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCord, J. (1991b). Family relationships, juvenile delinquency, and adult criminality. Criminology 29: 397–417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagin, D. S., and Farrington, D. P. (1991). On the relationship of past to future participation in delinquency. Criminology29: 163–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagin, D. S., and Farrington, D. P. (1992). The stability of criminal potential from childhood to adulthood. Criminology30: 235–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagin, D. S., and Land, K. C. (1993). Age, criminal careers, and population heterogeneity: Specification and estimation of a nonparametric, mixed Poisson model. Criminology31: 327–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagin, D. S., and Paternoster, R. (1993). Enduring individual differences and rational choice theories of crime. Law Soc. Rev. 27: 467–496.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paternoster, R., and Brame, R. (1997). Multiple routes to delinquency? A test of developmental and general theories of crime. Criminology34: 49–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., and Dishion, T. J. (1985). Contributions of families and peers to delinquency. Criminology23: 63–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piquero, A. R., and Rosay, A. B. (1998). The reliability and validity of Grasmick et al.'s selfcontrol scale: A comment on Longshore et al. Criminology36: 157–173.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piquero, A. R., and Tibbetts, S. (1996). Specifying the direct and indirect effects of low selfcontrol and situational factors in offenders' decision making: Toward a more complete model of rational offending. Just. Q. 13: 481–510.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polakowski, M. (1994). Linking self and social control with deviance: Illuminating the structure underlying A General Theory of Crime and its relation to deviant activity. J. Quant. Criminol. 10: 41–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reed, G. E., and Yeager, P. C. (1996). Organizational offending and neoclassical criminology: Challenging the reach of a general theory of crime. Criminology34: 357–377.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells, L. E., and Rankin, J. H. (1988). Direct parental controls and delinquency. Criminology26: 263–285.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, J. Q., and Herrnstein, R. J. (1985). Crime and Human Nature: The Definitive Causes of Crime, Simon and Schuster, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, P. B., Pfefferbaum, B., and Arneklev, B. J. (1993). Risk-taking and self-control: Social psychological correlates of delinquency. J. Crime Just. 16: 111–130.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Arneklev, B.J., Grasmick, H.G. & Bursik, R.J. Evaluating the Dimensionality and Invariance of ”Low Self-Control”. Journal of Quantitative Criminology 15, 307–331 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007528515341

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007528515341

Navigation