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The Role of Low Self-Control and Risky Lifestyles in Criminal Victimization: A Study of Adolescents in South Korea

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Listed:
  • Hyounggon Kwak

    (Division of Public Affairs and Police Administration, Dongguk University-Wise, Gyeongju 38066, Korea)

  • Eun-Kee Kim

    (Department of Police and Law, PaiChai University, Daejeon 35345, Korea)

Abstract

In this study, we examine the links between low self-control, risky lifestyles, and victimization. Specifically, we explore a full mediation model to test whether risky lifestyles (unstructured activity, association with deviant peers, and delinquency) account for the effect of low self-control on victimization. For the current study, we apply structural equation modeling (SEM) to data from 1057 South Korean adolescents. The results indicate that low self-control only has an indirect effect on victimization, primarily through unstructured time and one’s own delinquency. Risky lifestyles were found to fully mediate the influence of low self-control on victimization. The findings demonstrate the utility of the integration of self-control with routine activities and lifestyle theories as a robust framework through which to examine victimization. Specifically, the results suggest that individuals maintaining low levels of self-control self-select into contexts that are conducive to victimization, increasing their attractiveness and suitability as targets for victimization in the absence of capable guardians.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyounggon Kwak & Eun-Kee Kim, 2022. "The Role of Low Self-Control and Risky Lifestyles in Criminal Victimization: A Study of Adolescents in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-15, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11500-:d:913315
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baron, Stephen W. & Forde, David R. & Kay, Fiona M., 2007. "Self-control, risky lifestyles, and situation: The role of opportunity and context in the general theory," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 119-136.
    2. Augimeri, Leena K. & Walsh, Margaret & Donato, Adam & Blackman, Andrea & Piquero, Alex R., 2018. "SNAP (Stop Now And Plan): Helping children improve their self-control and externalizing behavior problems," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 43-49.
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