Gender Differences in Self-Control and Offending in Brazilian Adolescents

This study examined self-control levels in a sample of 1,828 Brazilian students aged 13 to 17, focusing on gender differences in self-control and offending behaviors, as well as parental monitoring and family bonding. The data were obtained from the Brazilian ISRD4 school dataset, which was collecte...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Oliveira, Natály Aparecida (Author) ; Prado Schiavone, Ana Beatriz do (Author) ; Rezende Bazon, Marina (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2025
In: Journal of contemporary criminal justice
Year: 2025, Volume: 41, Issue: 4, Pages: 709-722
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
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Summary:This study examined self-control levels in a sample of 1,828 Brazilian students aged 13 to 17, focusing on gender differences in self-control and offending behaviors, as well as parental monitoring and family bonding. The data were obtained from the Brazilian ISRD4 school dataset, which was collected in public and private schools across two cities in the state of São Paulo. Descriptive (mean, median and standard deviation) and comparative (t-tests) analyses were conducted. Offending behaviors were more frequent and diverse among boys in both the past year and over their lifetime. While no major differences were found in overall self-control levels between girls and boys, when looking at the self-control’s dimensions, there were differences in sensation-seeking and impulsivity control, as well as in how much their parents monitored them and in family bonds. Girls showed higher levels of sensation-seeking control and parental monitoring. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender differences and self-control dimensions, particularly sensation-seeking, in research and interventions targeting juvenile delinquency.
ISSN:1552-5406
DOI:10.1177/10439862251385375