A New Zealand study has given a detailed look at the link between self-control and why people get into crime.
A New Zealand study has detailed the link between self-control and crime. Photo: New Mexico prison. Credit: o2ma/flickr
Dr Mei Williams, who teaches forensic psychology at Massey University's School of Psychology in Auckland says her research has linked self-control and criminality and says it may provide a breakthrough in treatment and prevention of criminal behaviour.
“While criminologists have found low self-control to be one of the strongest risk factors for crime, its lack of explanatory power has been a major concern,” she says.
Williams compared the level of self-control, motivation, and criminal intentions in two groups, one of students and one of prison inmates, and discovered the lack of self-control as more of a reason for intended criminal behaviour amongst inmates than students. However the research also showed the importance of the expectations of "significant others" -- peer pressure -- and the willingness of the person to comply with those expectations.
This factor appeared to be crucial as to whether a person with low self-control got involved in crime or not, said Williams in a Massey University release.
She says the study shows that treatment of criminality should focus on programmes that assist inmates' developing better self-control through self-management techniques and help them choose correct role models to aid their rehabilitation.
“That’s when we need to focus on self-management and finding out what things they value,” she added.
Williams said people who tend towards criminal activity had the same goals, to acquire money and look after their family however she said, “They need to learn pro-social values, such as how to achieve their goals without hurting other people.”
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