Citation
Schwartz, Joseph A.; Connolly, Eric J.; Nedelec, Joseph L.; & Beaver, Kevin M. (2017). An investigation of genetic and environmental influences across the distribution of self-control. Criminal Justice and Behavior. vol. 44 (9) pp. 1163-1182Abstract
Previous research illustrating a robust, negative association between self-control and various forms of delinquent and criminal behavior has resulted in a more concentrated focus on the etiological development of self-control. The current study aims to contribute to this literature using a sample of twin and sibling pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to examine genetic and shared environmental influences across levels of self-control. The results of modified DeFries–Fulker (DF) equations revealed that genetic and shared environmental influences were distributed in a nonlinear pattern across levels of self-control. Subsequent biometric quantile regression models revealed that genetic influences on self-control were maximized in the 50th and 60th percentiles, and minimized in the tails of the distribution. Shared environmental influences were nonsignificant at all examined quantiles of self-control with only one exception. The theoretical importance of utilizing genetically informed modeling strategies is discussed in more detail.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177%2F0093854817709495Keyword(s)
self-controlReference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
Criminal Justice and BehaviorAuthor(s)
Schwartz, Joseph A.Connolly, Eric J.
Nedelec, Joseph L.
Beaver, Kevin M.