Does the Effect of Self-Regulation on Adolescent Recidivism Vary by Youths’ Attitudes?

Youth with poor self-regulation or criminal attitudes are at risk for recidivism. Researchers have yet to examine how self-regulation and criminal attitudes intermix to influence recidivism. The present study employed a large sample of 26,947 youth in the Florida Juvenile Justice System to examine t...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Fine, Adam (Author)
Contributors: Baglivio, Michael T. ; Piquero, Alex R. 1970- (Author) ; Cauffman, Elizabeth ; Wolff, Kevin T.
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: [2018]
In: Criminal justice and behavior
Year: 2018, Volume: 45, Issue: 2, Pages: 214-233
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Self-regulation
Criminal attitudes
Juvenile justice
Recidivism
Description
Summary:Youth with poor self-regulation or criminal attitudes are at risk for recidivism. Researchers have yet to examine how self-regulation and criminal attitudes intermix to influence recidivism. The present study employed a large sample of 26,947 youth in the Florida Juvenile Justice System to examine the effect of criminal attitudes on the association between self-regulation and recidivism over a 1-year period. The results indicated that the influence of self-regulation on recidivism varied based on youths’ attitudes. Although self-regulation affected recidivism among youth with average (dy/dx = -.03, SE = .01, p < .001) and less criminal (dy/dx = -.05, SE = .01, p < .001) attitudes, self-regulation was not associated with recidivism among youth with more criminal attitudes (dy/dx = -.01, SE = .01, p = .150). These findings demonstrate mechanisms that may promote sustained justice system involvement and identify key levers for reducing youth recidivism.
ISSN:1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854817739046