THE SOCIAL-CONSEQUENCES OF SELF-CONTROL - TESTING THE GENERAL-THEORY OF CRIME

Gottfredson and Hirschi's recently introduced general theory of crime has received considerable empirical support. Researchers have found th at low self-control, the general theory's core concept, is related to lawbreaking and to deviant behaviors considered by Gottfredson and Hir schi to be ''analogous'' to crime. In this article, we extend this res earch by assessing the effects of low self-control on crime and analog ous behaviors and by using two distinct measures of self-control, an a ttitudinal measure and the analogous/behavior scale. Thus, following G ottfredson and Hirschi, we use analogous imprudent behaviors as outcom es of low self-control and as indicators of low self-control's effects on crime. We also examine an important but thus far neglected part of the theory: the claim that low self-control has effects not only on c rime but also on life chances, life quality, and other social conseque nces. Consistent with the general theory, we found that both measures of self-control, attitudinal and behavioral, have effects on crime, ev en when controlling for a range of social factors. Further, the analys is revealed general support for the theory's prediction of negative re lationships between low self-control and social consequences other tha n crime-life outcomes and quality of life.