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Self-control in criminology: we need a broader conceptualization and links to psychiatric diagnoses
Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society (HS), Department of Criminology (KR).
Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society (HS), Department of Criminology (KR).
2024 (English)In: Frontiers in psychology, ISSN 1664-1078, Vol. 15, article id 1435003Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

BACKGROUND: Poor self-control is a strong correlate of criminal propensity. It is conceptualized and operationalized differently in criminology than in other scientific traditions.

AIMS: (1) To verify the dimensionality of the criminological Grasmick self-control items, other self-regulation items and morality ones. (2) To re-interpret the dimensions using a clinical perspective, a taxonomic/diagnostic model and references to possible "biological underpinnings." (3) Validate the dimensions by associations with crime.

METHOD: Population: all persons born 1995 in Malmö and living there at age 12. A random sample (N = 525) filled in a comprehensive self-report questionnaire on themes like personality, crime/abuse and social aspects at age 15, 16 and 18. Age 18 data were analysed: 191 men and 220 women.

RESULTS: Self-regulation items were 4-dimensional: ADHD problems (Behavior control and Executive skills) and two Aggression factors. Morality items formed a fifth dimension. Negative Affect and Social interaction factors covered the rest of the variance. The validity of these factors was backed up by correlations with similar items/factors. Self-regulation subscales predicted crimes better than the Grasmick scale; an interaction with morality improved prediction still further. Sex differences were over-all small with three exceptions: Aggression, Morality and Negative affect.

CONCLUSION: We identified four dimensions of the 20-item Grasmick instrument: Cognitive action control (impulsiveness/sensation seeking, response inhibition), Executive skills/future orientation, Affective/aggression reactivity and Aggression control. All should be possible to link to brain functional modules. Much can be gained if we are able to formulate an integrated model of self-regulation including distinct brain functional modules, process-and trait-oriented models, relevant diagnoses and clinical experiences of individual cases.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024. Vol. 15, article id 1435003
Keywords [en]
ADHD, CNS functional networks, criminality, personality, self-control, self-regulation, sex
National Category
Psychology (excluding Applied Psychology)
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-70061DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1435003ISI: 001280987000001PubMedID: 39086427Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85201195593OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mau-70061DiVA, id: diva2:1886561
Available from: 2024-08-02 Created: 2024-08-02 Last updated: 2024-09-17Bibliographically approved

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Levander, StenTorstensson Levander, Marie

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