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.
Recommended Citation
Mims, Xavier, "Exploring the Private and Environmental Events of Repeat Offenders Relative to Low Self-Control" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9777.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9777
