An Investigation of Genetic and Environmental Influences Across the Distribution of Self-Control

Previous research illustrating a robust, negative association between self-control and various forms of delinquent and criminal behavior has resulted in a more concentrated focus on the etiological development of self-control. The current study aims to contribute to this literature using a sample of...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Schwartz, Joseph A. (Author) ; Connolly, Eric J. (Author) ; Nedelec, Joseph L. (Author) ; Beaver, Kevin M. 1977- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: [2017]
In: Criminal justice and behavior
Year: 2017, Volume: 44, Issue: 9, Pages: 1163-1182
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Self-control
Nonlinear
Quantile regression
DeFries–Fulker analysis
Description
Summary:Previous research illustrating a robust, negative association between self-control and various forms of delinquent and criminal behavior has resulted in a more concentrated focus on the etiological development of self-control. The current study aims to contribute to this literature using a sample of twin and sibling pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to examine genetic and shared environmental influences across levels of self-control. The results of modified DeFries-Fulker (DF) equations revealed that genetic and shared environmental influences were distributed in a nonlinear pattern across levels of self-control. Subsequent biometric quantile regression models revealed that genetic influences on self-control were maximized in the 50th and 60th percentiles, and minimized in the tails of the distribution. Shared environmental influences were nonsignificant at all examined quantiles of self-control with only one exception. The theoretical importance of utilizing genetically informed modeling strategies is discussed in more detail.
ISSN:1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854817709495