Levels of self-control and the practice of crimes among female and male adolescents: a comparative study

Abstract

Self-control can be understood as the ability to control one's emotions and behaviors. When it appears at low levels, manifested through impulsiveness and immediacy, there are greater chances of involvement in antisocial behavior, especially during adolescence. Studies indicate the predictive strength of low self-control in relation to committing crimes. Family socialization plays an important role in developing self-control, but interventions and programs to develop it can also foster positive beliefs and behaviors. The present study aims to characterize the levels of self-control in a sample of 1,834 adolescents between 13 and 17 years old, in addition to verifying differences in the relationship between these levels and the commission of crimes for the female and male genders. Data collection and analysis will be carried out within the scope of the International Self-Reported Delinquency Study (ISRD4), which is the largest collaborative and cross-cultural study on victimization and violence and involves 54 countries, in partnership with researchers from the Study and Research Group on Psychosocial Development and Intervention (GEPDIP). After collecting the data, it will be subjected to relevant statistical analyzes in accordance with the defined objective.