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The role of broken homes in the development of self-control: A propensity score matching approach

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  • Boutwell, Brian B.
  • Beaver, Kevin M.

Abstract

Criminologists have frequently identified broken homes as a risk factor for involvement in crime and delinquency. The association between broken homes and antisocial behavior has been replicated in numerous studies, and despite being entrenched within the study of delinquency, there is a lack of research examining its impact on the development of self-control. This is somewhat surprising given that low self-control has been shown to be a robust and consistent predictor of antisocial behavior. We address this void in the literature by examining the role of broken homes in the development of self-control in early childhood using propensity score matching. Analysis of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study revealed a statistically significant association between broken homes and the development of self-control prior to matching. After matching on six key maternal and paternal covariates, the association between broken homes and levels of self-control was no longer statistically significant. We discuss what these findings mean for criminological theories.

Suggested Citation

  • Boutwell, Brian B. & Beaver, Kevin M., 2010. "The role of broken homes in the development of self-control: A propensity score matching approach," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 489-495, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:38:y::i:4:p:489-495
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blackwell, Brenda Sims & Piquero, Alex R., 2005. "On the relationships between gender, power control, self-control, and crime," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 1-17.
    2. Meldrum, Ryan Charles, 2008. "Beyond parenting: An examination of the etiology of self-control," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 244-251, July.
    3. Piquero, Alex R. & White, Norman A., 2003. "On the relationship between cognitive abilities and life-course-persistent offending among a sample of African Americans: A longitudinal test of Moffitt's hypothesis," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 399-409.
    4. Reichman, Nancy E. & Teitler, Julien O. & Garfinkel, Irwin & McLanahan, Sara S., 2001. "Fragile Families: sample and design," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(4-5), pages 303-326.
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    1. Theobald, Delphine & Farrington, David P. & Piquero, Alex R., 2013. "Childhood broken homes and adult violence: An analysis of moderators and mediators," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 44-52.
    2. Boisvert, Danielle & Boutwell, Brian B. & Barnes, J.C. & Vaske, Jamie, 2013. "Genetic and environmental influences underlying the relationship between low self-control and substance use," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 41(4), pages 262-272.
    3. DeLisi, Matt & Piquero, Alex R., 2011. "New frontiers in criminal careers research, 2000-2011: A state-of-the-art review," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 289-301, July.
    4. Oliveira, Raquel V. & Beaver, Kevin M., 2021. "Exploring effects of psycho-bio-social risk factors on later offending," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).

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