The Interconnection between Intellectual Achievement and Self-Control. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boisvert, Danielle; Stadler, William; Vaske, Jamie; Wright, John P.; Nelson, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Criminal justice and behavior. Volume 40:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: general theory of crime -- intellectual achievement -- self-control -- PSID; Correctional psychology -- Periodicals; 364.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0093854812453129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0093-8548

Abstract

Low self-control has emerged as a strong predictor of criminal conduct and analogous behaviors. Questions remain, however, as to the origins of self-control. Whereas some argue it is a trait instilled solely through a process of parental socialization, more recent research has suggested the possibility that self-control is interconnected with many executive functions deriving from the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Using data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics ( N = 2, 104), this study assesses the degree to which self-control is linked with intellectual achievement in childhood and adolescence. Results from Poisson regression analyses indicate that intellectual achievement is significantly related to variations in self-control, controlling for a variety of parenting measures; age, race, and gender; and previous levels of self-control. A discussion of the relationship between intellectual achievement and self-control is provided.