Does victimization reduce self-control? A longitudinal analysis

PurposeTo examine the effect of victimization on self-control.MethodFive waves of data from the GREAT survey are analyzed; the effect of prior victimization on subsequent self-control is estimated using the dynamic panel generalized-method of moments.ResultsVictimization reduces subsequent self-control in the near term.ConclusionsThe findings point to another source of low self-control, help to explain why prior victimization is linked to subsequent victimization, and provide support for general strain theory – which predicts that strains such as victimization will reduce self-control.

Research highlights
► The effect of victimization on self-control is examined using longitudinal data.
► Victimization reduces subsequent self-control in the near term.
► Results support general strain theory.