College Students' Lifestyles and Self-Protective Behaviors

Routine activity theory has traditionally emphasized identifying victimization risks and suitable targets for crime. Assessments of the role of guardianship in criminal events are less emphasized. Explorations of who uses guardianship to attempt to reduce their chances for victimization have been developed only minimally, typically relying on demographics. This research goes further in assessing who uses self-protective strategies, considering lifestyles related to proximity to motivated offenders, the suitability of individuals as targets, and how these characteristics influence the use of self-protective devices. Results show the most influential lifestyle characteristics and behaviors on use of self-protective measures are exposure to potential offenders and neighborhood characteristics. Fear of crime, substance use, and individual demographics show only small relationships to guardianship.