Identifying A Correlation Between Illegal Behavior And Self

Identifying A Correlation Between Illegal Behavior And Self Controla

Identifying a Correlation Between Illegal Behavior and Self Control: A Literature Review Student’s name Student’s school Author's Note: This paper was prepared for Social Psychology with Dr. Jim Doyle. Abstract Social psychologists have found a correlation between illegal behavior and self-control. The unlawful conduct can take the form of theft, inability to appreciate other people’s boundaries, self-damaging behavior, or even violence. Poor self-control can develop in children and lead to a lifetime of making poor choices, even to the point of criminal behavior.

Identifying what causes poor self-regulation later in life is an opportunity to correct the behavior before it becomes a problem. Introduction The purpose of this research is to find the relationship between poor self-control and illegal and self-damaging behavior. Detecting the causes of poor self-regulation should allow for intervention before a possible poor outcome. This literature review found support for the correlation between unlawful behaviors and poor self-control. Opportunities for assistance were also presented to lessen the adverse effects of early childhood neglect.

Definitions Self-control is the restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires (Merriam-Webster.com). Criminal behavior refers to conduct of an offender that leads to and including the commission of an unlawful act. (Criminal Definition, N.D.). Behavioral self-regulation “is the ability to act in your long-term best interest, consistent with your deepest values” (Stosny, 2011, 1). Emotional self-regulation “is the ability to calm yourself down when you're upset and cheer yourself up when you're down” (Stosny, 2011, 1). Consistent self-regulation “requires focus on your deepest values rather than feelings” (Stosny, 2011, 1). Self-regulation “is described as cyclical because the feedback from prior performance is used to make adjustments during current efforts” (Boekaerts, Pintrich, & Zeider, 2000, 14).

Causes of Poor Self-Control The causes of poor self-control are numerous. There is not just one definite reason or theory that fits every circumstance. Recognizing that fact, this paper will examine social control theories, ineffective parenting, and incomplete or ineffective socialization as main causes of poor self-control and self-regulation. The social bonding and self-control theories specifically address delinquency and its relationship to self-control. Referring to the study conducted by Glueck and Glueck in 1950, Owens-Sabir (2007) notes that according to the social bonding theory, “familial background of delinquents ... was less adequate than that of non-delinquents” (5). The status of the homes of delinquents included missing parents due to separation, divorce, or death, making it “difficult for bonding to take place during the formative years” (Owens-Sabir, 2007, 5). Other social bonding theories, including Reiss’s and Hirschi’s, describe the reasons for delinquency as “lack of personal and social controls” and “weakened or broken bonds to society” respectively (Owens-Sabir, 2007, 6). Hirschi asserted that “people who lack self-control will tend to be impulsive, insensitive, physical rather than mental, risk-taking, short-sighted, and nonverbal, and they will tend, therefore, to engage in criminal and analogous acts” (Owens-Sabir, 2007, 11). Because impulsivity and the inability to delay gratification are found in those with low self-control, this theory draws a correlation between criminal acts and low self-control.

Ineffective parenting is a major source of low self-control and poor self-regulation according to Owens-Sabir (2007, 13). Parenting can be considered ineffective when it lacks nurturing, time spent with children, and harsh discipline but can also include too much attention and making children the primary focus in the household to the exclusion of other relationships. Research indicates neglect appears to have significant implications for future illegal behavior. A study examining childhood neglect and juvenile delinquency in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development reported “that childhood neglect dramatically increased the odds of being convicted of an offense as an adolescent … and significantly predicted self-reported offending” (Kazemanian, Spatz Widom, & Farrington, 2011, 7). This association underscores the importance of early socialization and nurturing in preventing criminal behaviors later in life.

Lack of socialization in early childhood also contributes significantly to low self-control. Proper socialization involves teaching children to recognize others’ rights, boundaries, social norms, and feelings—an essential process for developing empathy and conscience. When children are not socialized appropriately, they are more likely to exhibit deviant or criminal behaviors due to a lack of internalized social constraints. Literature emphasizes that effective socialization, including teaching empathy and social norms, can mitigate tendencies toward criminal conduct, although it does not eliminate the possibility entirely (Owens-Sabir, 2007, 13).

Results of Poor Self-Control Poor self-control hampers an individual's ability to respect boundaries, fosters narcissism, and increases the likelihood of theft, self-damaging behaviors, and violence. Cleary (2004) notes that the General Theory of Crime expects those who commit crimes to also engage in behaviors analogous to crime because both involve immediate self-gratification (6). Such behaviors include smoking, drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and other immediate gratification activities. Evidence indicates that low self-control correlates highly with criminal behaviors. For instance, studies on sex offenders find behaviors consistent with low self-control indicators (Cleary, 2004, 142). These findings reinforce the connection between low self-control and criminal activity.

Implications The implications of this research are profound. Since there is a clearly established correlation between poor self-regulation and criminal behaviors, and because the causes of low self-control—such as ineffective parenting, neglect, and inadequate socialization—are identifiable, intervention strategies can be developed. Early intervention targeting at-risk children could significantly reduce future criminality, thereby improving societal safety and well-being. Recognizing these risk factors allows for the development of preventive programs focused on strengthening families and enhancing child socialization efforts.

Recommendations Given that the primary causes of low self-control are rooted in family dynamics, targeted family-based interventions are essential. Programs such as parenting classes, social worker visitation programs, and family counseling should be prioritized, especially for families experiencing neglect, poverty, or parental absence. Such initiatives aim to educate and support parents in effective child-rearing practices that promote social and emotional development. Additionally, community organizations like churches and local nonprofits can participate in outreach efforts to promote childhood well-being and socialization. Early screening and intervention are critical, but programs should avoid stigmatizing children or families. Instead, they should focus on support and education to encourage positive development, reducing the likelihood of future criminal behavior.

Conclusion The literature supports a strong link between poor self-control and criminal conduct, rooted largely in early childhood experiences. Recognizing and addressing the causes—such as ineffective parenting, neglect, and insufficient socialization—can significantly reduce the risk of future criminality. Therefore, implementing preventive programs tailored to high-risk families and fostering supportive community environments are vital steps toward reducing juvenile and adult criminal behaviors. Continued research and policy efforts should focus on early intervention and family support systems to create safer, healthier communities.

References

• Boekaerts, M., Pintrich, P. R., & Zeider, M. (2000). Handbook of self-regulation. San Diego: Academic.
• Cleary, S. (2004). Sex offenders and self-control: Explaining sexual violence. New York: LFB Scholarly Publisher.
• Criminal definition. (N.D.). U.S. Legal. Web. Retrieved March 1, 2014, from http://uslegal.com
• Kazemanian, L., Spatz Widom, C., & Farrington, D. P. (2011). A prospective examination of the relationship between childhood neglect and juvenile delinquency in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 2(1-2), 65-82.
• Merriam-Webster.com. (N.D.). Self-control. Retrieved March 1, 2014, from https://www.merriam-webster.com
• Owens-Sabir, M. C. (2007). The effects of race and family attachment on self-esteem, self-control, and delinquency. New York: LFB Scholarly.
• Stosny, S. (2011). Anger in the age of entitlement: Cleaning up emotional pollution. Psychology Today, 28.