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Is it a self-fulfilling prophecy?: Examining how parental and youth perceptions of future system involvement predict early adulthood criminal involvement

Author

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  • Cohen, Tova A.
  • Silver, Ian A.

Abstract

Informal labeling, or unofficial labels imposed by oneself and others, has been linked to criminal legal involvement. However, it is still unclear whether self or familial labeling is more criminogenic. Using a subset of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97) (N = 2980), the current study examines the association between self-perception and parental perception of incarceration by age 20, as well as criminal legal system involvement from ages 18–20 and 21–41. Results suggest that self-perception of incarceration by age 20 was positively associated with the number of arrests between 18 and 20 and after 20, while parental perception of incarceration by age 20 appeared to be associated with the number of months incarcerated from 18 to 20 and after 20. These results, overall, highlight that self and familial labeling could have distinct effects on future involvement in the criminal legal system, but both could be criminogenic.

Suggested Citation

  • Cohen, Tova A. & Silver, Ian A., 2026. "Is it a self-fulfilling prophecy?: Examining how parental and youth perceptions of future system involvement predict early adulthood criminal involvement," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:102:y:2026:i:c:s0047235225002351
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102586
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Devah Pager & Bruce Western & Naomi Sugie, 2009. "Sequencing Disadvantage: Barriers to Employment Facing Young Black and White Men with Criminal Records," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 623(1), pages 195-213, May.
    2. Barnert, E.S. & Perry, R. & Azzi, V.F. & Shetgiri, R. & Ryan, G. & Dudovitz, R. & Zima, B. & Chung, P.J., 2015. "Incarcerated youths' perspectives on protective factors and risk factors for Juvenile offending: A qualitative analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(7), pages 1365-1371.
    3. Silver, Ian A. & D'Amato, Christopher & Wooldredge, John, 2021. "The cycle of reentry and reincarceration: Examining the influence on employment over a period of 18 years," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
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