The Influence of Gender, Low Birth Weight, and Disadvantaged Environment in Predicting Early Onset of Offending: A Test of Moffitt's Interactional Hypothesis

Abstract

Little is known about the causes of an early onset of offending. In an attempt to shed light on this issue, some theoretical models have been advanced purporting to explain the reasons for an individual's early initiation into offending. In one of these models, Moffitt (1993) predicts that early onset of offending is caused by an interaction between (1) increased risk for neuropsychological disorders and (2) disadvantaged childhood environments. This study tests Moffitt's hypothesis concerning the development of early offending. In the present analysis, low birth weight was used as a proxy for increased likelihood of neuropsychological deficits, and socioeconomic status and family structure served as indicators for disadvantaged environment. Using the Philadelphia portion of the Collaborative Perinatal Project, we find support for Moffitt's hypothesis that neuropsychological risk and disadvantaged environment interact to produce an early, but not late, onset of offending. In subsequent analysis, the interaction was observed for males but not females. The latter result, however, may be a function of the small number of cases in the female sample. Finally, we address the theoretical and policy implications arising from our analyses and provide some suggestions for future research.

A biosocial explanation of delinquency abstention

“…Indeed, Moffi tt's propositions regarding the aetiology of adolescence-limited offenders and life-course persistent offenders have generated a substantial amount of empirical work, which has provided some evidence in favour of her theory (Moffi tt, 2006;Raine et al, 2005;Tibbetts and Piquero, 1999). Researchers have, however, been slow to test her account of delinquent abstention and much remains unknown about its causes and correlates.…”

An empirical examination of adolescence-limited offending: A direct test of Moffitt's maturity gap thesis

“…Specifically, recent research has indicated that measures of neuropsychological deficits are predictive of antisocial behavioral patterns (Gibson et al, 2000;McGloin et al, 2006;Moffitt, 2006;Moffitt et al, 1996;Moffitt et al, 1994;Piquero, 2001;Raine et al, 2005;Tibbetts & Piquero, 1999;Turner et al, 2007). Some empirical research reveals measures of neuropsychological deficits have stronger effects on LCP offending when paired with a criminogenic environment.…”

A preliminary empirical test of Silverthorn and Frick's delayed‐onset pathway in girls using an urban, African‐American, US‐based sample

“…Several recent studies have examined the extent to which male-derived developmental models of antisocial and delinquent behaviour are applicable to girls (Tolan and Thomas, 1995;Kratzer and Hodgins 1999;Tibbetts and Piquero, 1999;Mazerolle et al, 2000;Cote et al, 2001;Fergusson and Horwood, 2002; Loeber and Farrington, 2001;Piquero and Chung, 2001;D'Unger et al, 2002;Hipwell et al, 2002;Broidy et al, 2003). Several of these efforts have identified an early-onset group of female offenders whose risk factors and life-course patterns are similar to boys, and who have worse outcomes as they age in comparison with late-onset girls.…”