Self-Control and Crime Over the Life Course

Carter Hay is a professor and the director of graduate studies in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1999. His articles, chapters, and books have focused on the causes and consequences of crime and deviance over the life course, with a special focus on self-control and its early in life precursors. Dr. Ryan C. Meldrum is an Associate Professor and the Director of Research and Communications in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida International University. He received his B.S. in Sociology from Oregon State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Criminology from Florida State University. His research foci encompass various aspects of juvenile delinquency and young adult offending, with his current work concentrated in three areas: the causes and consequences of low self-control, the health consequences of a lack of sleep among teenagers, and racial and ethnic disparities in school discipline and juvenile justice sanctioning among youth. His research has been published in outlets including Criminology, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, Justice Quarterly, Journal of Criminal Justice, Journal of Quantitative Criminology, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Sleep Health, Intelligence, and Preventive Medicine. He also co-authored the book Self-Control and Crime over the Life Course. For his research contributions as a junior scholar, he was awarded the 2016 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) New Scholar Award.

Chapter 1: Introduction A Definition of Self-Control An Integrative Approach A Life Course Approach Connecting Self-Control to Other Causes of Behavior Attention to Public Policy Connecting the Science of Self-Control to the Stories We Read About Everyday Chapter 2: Theories of Self-Control and Behavior The Inextricable Connection Between Theory and Fact Explaining Crime: Gottfredson and Hirschi's Self-Control Theory Evaluating Gottfredson and Hirschi's Self-Control Theory A Psychological, Trait-Based Theory of Self-Control Biosocial Approaches to Behavior The Strength Model: Self-control as a Depletable Resource Chapter 3: What Are the Consequences of Low Self-Control? The Marshmallow Experiments A Quick Note on the Measurement of Self-Control Research on Low Self-Control and Crime The Everyday Consequences of Low Self-Control Policy Implications and Possibilities Chapter 4: Infancy and Childhood: What Are the Causes of Self-Control Early in Life? The Role of Parents in Shaping Self-Control The Genetic Underpinnings of Self-Control Neurobiological Influences on Self-Control Policy Implications and Possibilities Chapter 5: Adolescence and Adulthood: Is Self-Control Stable Over Time? Stability and Change in Self-Control Why Does Self-Control Often Remain Stable? Persistent Individual Traits as Contributors to Self-Control Stability Persistent Environmental Characteristics: Parenting and Peers Persistent Environmental Characteristics: The Stability of Poverty State Dependence as a Contributor to Self-Control Stability An Implicit Idea: Human Agency Empirical Evidence on Explanations for Stability Policy Implications and Possibilities Chapter 6: What Leads to Self-Control Change? The Pervasiveness of Change The Transformations of Adolescence Unexpected Shifts in Social Environments and Relationships Sleeping, Eating, and Substance Use: Short-Term Fluctuations in Self-Control Policy Implications and Possibilities Chapter 7: Do the Harmful Effects of Low Self-Control Vary Across Different Circumstances? Conditional Causation and Low Self-Control: Conceptual Issues Criminal Opportunity Association With Delinquent Peers Weak Social Bonds Neighborhood Disadvantage Weak Moral Values Considering Self-Control as a Moderator Variable Can Self-Control Moderate the Effects of Self-Control? Policy Implications and Possibilities Chapter 8: Self-Control and Crime Over the Life Course: Bringing It All Together The Causes of Initial Self-Control Differences in the First Decade of Life The Child Grows into an Adolescent The Adolescent Grows Into an Adult Moderated Effects Across the Entire Life Course Chapter 9: Self-Control and Crime: Influencing Policy and Looking to the Future Self-Control as a Driver of Societal Advance Using Policy to Promote Self-Control Over the Life Course Community-Based Programs Relevant to All Stages of the Life Course Evidence of Program Success

"Low self-control has emerged as one of the leading causes of crime and deviance, some would argue the leading cause. This book provides an excellent overview of the large body of research on self-control, both within and outside of criminology. It covers a range of topics, including the varied causes and consequences of low self-control, self-control over the life course, and the policy implications of the self-control research. It is well written and engaging, suitable for both students and professionals. I highly recommend it as the best single source on this key concept in criminology." -- Robert Agnew "Hay and Meldrum provide a masterful and timely synthesis of the disparate literatures on self-control, one of the most important concepts in the study of antisocial behavior and deviance. Their clear, cogent, and objective assessment will not only inform ongoing research, but will also provide direction to the next generation of criminologists." -- Michael D. Reisig "There is little debate that the relationship between self-control and crime over the life-course has been among the most central of all criminological issues over the past quarter-century and the theoretical, empirical, and policy-related contributions have skyrocketed thereby keeping tabs on new findings has been difficult, that is, until now. Hay and Meldrum, two of the field's most foremost thinkers on self-control have brought together this literature in a careful and easy going way. With chapter introductions that situate the material in real-world examples, they draw readers in and keep them there. A wonderful overview of the state of the science with many nuggets for future research outlined." -- Alex R. Piquero, PhD "I like the writing style of the text. It is written at a level that complements the ability of my students. It is also a fun read and has examples that are real attention-getters." -- J. Mitchell Miller "Hay and Meldrum have put together an impressive book that covers the sweeping literature on self-control and its impact on human behavior. This is an indispensable resource for students and scholars interested in understanding one of criminology's most consistent predictors of criminal behavior." -- J.C. Barnes, Ph.D. "A contemporary synopsis of one of the major criminological theories." -- Jennifer Wareham, Ph.D. "The writing is very good. The authors include a well-known senior and surging junior colleague whose reputations will add credibility to the authoritative quality of the book." -- Nadine M. Connell, Ph.D. "Addresses the intersection of child development, brain development, neighborhoods and self-control and crime as well as policy issues." -- Rebecca S. Katz, Ph.D.