Self‐control and juvenile delinquency: Theoretical issues and an empirical assessment of selected elements of a general theory of crime

Social control theory has been one of the most influential explanations of crime and delinquency for many years. Gottfredson and Hirschi propose a new general theory of crime that includes individual restraints on behavior, or “self‐control,” as distinguished from social restraints. The elements of self‐control include an ability to defer gratification, the tendency to be cautious and diligent, cognitive ability, and sensitivity toward others. In this paper we analyze the construct of self‐control and its relationship to official and self‐reported measures of juvenile delinquency.