Support, coercion, and delinquency: testing aspects of an emerging theory

Abstract

This research tests aspects of differential social support and coercion theory of crime as proposed by Colvin, Cullen and Vander Ven (2002). The theory argues social interactions, either coercive or supportive, figure into development of self-control, delinquent behavior, and mental health. Coercive interactions involve force, direct and indirect intimidation and violence that compel compliance out of fear or anxiety. Coercive interactions can be employed consistently or erratically and individuals that are disciplined in an erratic manner will tend to develop strong anger directed toward others, low self-control, and weak alienated social bonds. These individuals are likely to become chronic offenders. Individuals that receive consistent coercion develop strong self-directed anger, high-externalized self-control, and weak social bonds. These individuals will have minimal legal difficulties, but are likely to have persistent mental health problems Social supports can also be erratic or consistent in nature. According to the theory, erratic social supports will generally result in low-self control, moderate anger, and intermediate social bonds. These individuals may engage in criminal behavior depending on the access to illegitimate social supports offered by criminals. Individuals that receive consistent support will have low anger, high-internalized selfcontrol, and strong social bonds. These individuals are likely to display few criminal behaviors and possess high levels of pro-social behaviors (Colvin, Cullen and Vander Ven, 2002). Data are drawn from the 1995 National Survey of Adolescents (NSA), to examine the connection between support and coercion on delinquent behavior. Results indicate support for the theory among NSA participants as evidenced by Logistic Regression Analysis and we discus broader implications of the theory for criminal justice responses to juvenile offending.

Explaining the Cultural Retention–Delinquency Relationship Using Differential Support and Coercion Theory: A Study of Native‐Born and Immigrant Latino Youth

“…Each of these 17 questions was coded 1 = yes and 0 = no and summed to produce a summary score for coercion. Although victimization does not tap into the full range of experiencing coercive events, such a conceptualization of coercion has been usefully employed in previous studies of the theory (Baron, , ; Day, Brauer, and Butler, ; Kurtz, Linnemann, and Green, ; Listwan et al., ; Unnever, Colvin, and Cullen, ; Zavala and Kurtz, ). Cronbach's alpha for these items is 0.73, and a principal components analysis revealed a five‐component solution with eigenvalues of 3.31, 1.46, 1.30, 1.12, and 1.06.…”

“…Some may experience coercion for a short period of time, whereas others may experience it for extended periods. The most common form of coercion tested in studies of DCSS is the experience of physical victimization (Baron, , ; Day, Brauer, and Butler, ; Kurtz, Linnemann, and Green, ; Listwan et al., ; Unnever, Colvin, and Cullen, ; Zavala and Kurtz, ). In order to remain consistent with this literature, we will include experiencing victimization as our measure of coercion in this analysis.…”

Applying Differential Coercion and Social Support Theory to Intimate Partner Violence

“…Some may experience coercion for short periods of time, whereas others may experience it for extended periods. The most common form of coercion tested in studies of DCSS is physical victimization (Baron, 2009a, 2014; Day, Brauer, & Butler, 2015; Kurtz, Linnemann, & Green, 2014; Listwan, Colvin, Hanley, & Flannery, 2010; Unnever, Colvin, & Cullen, 2004; Zavala & Kurtz, 2016). To remain consistent with this literature, we will include physical and emotional victimization as our measures of coercive forces in this analysis.…”

“…This study also showed that coercion increases anger, lowered self-control, and serves as a catalyst to seek illegitimate social support. Finally, Kurtz et al (2014) analyzed data from the National Survey of Adolescents and found that interpersonal coercion (physical child maltreatment) predicted delinquency and violent offending, whereas social support reduced the odds of offending.…”

The Importance of Social Support and Coercion to Risk of Impulsivity and Juvenile Offending

“…This study also showed that coercion increases anger, lowered self-control, and serves as a catalyst to seek illegitimate social support. A study by Kurtz, Linnemann, and Green (2014) analyzed data from the National Survey of Adolescents and found that interpersonal coercion (physical child maltreatment) predicted delinquency and violent offending, whereas social support reduced the odds of offending. Finally, Zavala and Kurtz (2016) analyzed data from a sample of police officers and found that coercive forces predicted officer’s perpetration of intimate partner violence.…”