Self-Control, Moral Beliefs, and Criminal Activity

Abstract

Criminologists have paid close but independent attention to the role of self-control and moral beliefs in shaping criminal/deviant activity. This line of research suggests that (low) self-control relates to antisocial behavior while (high) moral beliefs inhibits it. There is good reason to believe, however, that moral beliefs moderate the relationship between self-control and antisocial behavior such that under conditions of high moral beliefs, low self-control does not relate to crime while under conditions of low moral beliefs it does. Using data collected from over 300 young adults, we assess this moderation hypothesis with two distinct crimes, one instrumental, the other expressive/retaliatory. With one exception, our results provide good support for this moderation hypothesis. Future theoretical and research directions are noted.

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