Investigating Sex-Related Moderation Effects and Mediation Effects of Self-Control on Delinquency Among Portuguese Youth

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Pechorro, P (Author) Other; DeLisi, M (Author) Other; Quintas, J (Author) FDUP; Goncalves, RA (Author) Other; Maroco, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

ISSN: 0306-624X

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-6RX

DOI: 10.1177/0306624x20981037

Abstract (EN): Self-control refers to the ability to override impulses and behave in accordance with societal norms. Deficits in self-control are strongly associated with conduct problems, externalizing disorders, crime, and violence. The main aim of the present study is to investigate possible moderation and mediation effects related to self-control. A school sample of male (n = 257, M = 15.97 years, SD = .98 years) and female (n = 213, M = 15.79 years, SD = 1.03 years) youth from Portugal agreed to participate. Moderation analysis revealed that sex moderates the relationship between self-control and aggression, conduct disorder symptoms, and self-reported delinquency. Mediation analysis revealed that self-control mediates the relations between both triarchic psychopathic traits and dark triad traits, and the self-reported juvenile delinquency outcome. The findings suggest that self-control exerts significant effects on the criminal/antisocial-related variables examined among Portuguese youth.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17