The triality of strain, self-control, and eating disorders

Citation

Ozkan, Turgut; Gibson, Justin; & Evans, LaVonda (2019). The triality of strain, self-control, and eating disorders. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.

Abstract

This study examines the potential relationship between eating disorders and antisocial behaviors through the lenses of the general theory of crime and general strain theory. We utilized the data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of juveniles in grades 7 to 12 in the United States between 1994 and 2008. We constructed three separate measures of eating disorders and examined their relationships with both petty theft and aggressive behaviors. Results indicated that previous traumatic experiences (such as sexual abuse) are consistent risk factors for eating disorders, and that eating disorders can increase antisocial involvements. Moreover, eating disorders can diminish self-control and agitate depressed moods, which may increase the likelihood of both petty theft and violent conduct, and this effect can extend to later adulthood as well.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X18823460

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

Author(s)

Ozkan, Turgut
Gibson, Justin
Evans, LaVonda

Year Published

2019

Edition

January 4, 2019

DOI

10.1177/0306624X18823460

Reference ID

6885