Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Andrea Goldstein

Abstract

The dissection of self-control theory itself has served as a supplemental platform for understanding how the lack of self-control can perpetuate criminal conduct. Previous research has indicated that employing self-control theory to predict criminal behavior has been widely supported by various forms of test samples, measurements, and methodologies. However, there remains a gap in the current literature regarding the internal-motivative factors between the relationship of the offender's criminal behaviors and self-control theory. Partial understanding of what the offender experiences constitutes a significant disparity between subjective concepts and actual accounts based on an offender's view on his personal life. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study while utilizing a structured interviewing construct was to account for the reoffender's experiences. Adults consisting of 8 males between 18-35 years were the selected sample size for this study; the Atlas.ti was administered to code responses. Findings from this research indicated that factors representing environmental constraints contributed significantly to self-control depletion among reoffenders. Based on the results, repeated contact with constricted environments influence persistent criminal behaviors. Recommendations for extending research regarding criminal conduct and low self-control should remain reliant on shared experiences introduced by reoffenders. Findings may be used by the criminal justice to promote positive social change by reducing reoffences.

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