Is low self-control associated with violence among youths in Turkey?

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2009 Apr;53(2):145-67. doi: 10.1177/0306624X08314577. Epub 2008 Jul 17.

Abstract

Self-control theory is tested in relation to violence on a sample of university students in Turkey. The primary findings indicate support for the theory net of the impacts of strain, deterrence, differential association, social bonding, and routine activity theories: The greater the low self-control, the greater the violence. No subdimensions of self-control have consistent significant impacts on violence. Most high-opportunity measures have positive impacts on violence. Interaction effects occur only among subdimensions of self-control and opportunity variables. Social class and age are significant even when low self-control measures were controlled.

MeSH terms

  • Criminal Psychology
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sampling Studies
  • Turkey
  • Violence*
  • Young Adult