Development of impulsivity and risk‐seeking: Implications for the dimensionality and stability of self‐control*

Abstract

In Gottfredson and Hirschi's self‐control theory, introduced in 1990, they contend that self‐control is a unidimensional construct that develops early in childhood and remains stable throughout the life span. According to findings reported in recent research, however, these arguments are now being challenged, with scholars pointing to ways in which self‐control may be multidimensional in nature and may change beyond the period of alleged stabilization. In this study, we draw on Steinberg's dual systems model, introduced in 2008, to consider this issue further. We examine that model's two key elements of low self‐control—risk‐seeking and impulsivity—to determine whether they are empirically distinguishable from one another and have differing developmental trajectories from childhood to early adulthood. We also consider the consequences of changes in risk‐seeking and impulsivity for within‐individual changes in crime. We examine these issues with data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) for individuals from 10 to 30 years old. The results of our analyses show support for a multidimensional and dynamic conception of self‐control—from age 10 to age 30, risk‐seeking and impulsivity are empirically distinct and develop in divergent ways that are consistent with the dual systems model. Changes in risk‐seeking and impulsivity also affect changes in crime, but their effects vary with age and changes in the other element. We discuss these findings and their implications for self‐control and the development of life‐course criminology.

The contemporary transformation of american youth: An analysis of change in the prevalence of delinquency, 1991–2015

“…The data used for our study, however, permit a partial assessment of this question. Self‐control has been measured in a variety of ways, but most scholars have emphasized indicators of impulsivity and a sensation‐seeking (Burt et al, 2014; Forrest et al, 2019; Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). We cannot document changes in impulsivity, but the MTF data used for our study provide information on preferences for risky and dangerous activities, which are commonly used to identify those more prone to sensation‐seeking.…”

The seductions of cybercrime: Adolescence and the thrills of digital transgression

“…Online as well as offline deviance can be 'delightful' (Katz, 1988: 312). From a regulatory perspective, however, these features serve to degrade young people's finite resources of self-regulation and impulse control (Forrest et al, 2019). Digital drift for many young people therefore becomes extremely easy to do (Goldsmith and Brewer, 2015).…”

Low Self-control and Legal Cynicism among At-Risk Youth: An Investigation into Direct and Vicarious Police Contact

“…Research yields general support for the proposition that individuals with low self-control will be disproportionally involved in crime (Pratt and Cullen 2000; Vazsonyi, Mikuška, and Kelley 2017) and a host of analogous behaviors (Arneklev et al 1993; Paternoster and Brame 2000; Reisig and Pratt 2011). Regarding the stability hypothesis, extant research reveals that while self-control is found to be relatively stable for many individuals, relative changes in self-control do occur for a nontrivial portion of the population, especially among studies with longer follow-up periods (Burt et al 2006; Forrest et al 2019; Hay and Forrest 2006; Na and Paternoster 2012; Turner and Piquero 2002).…”