Citation

Keane C, Maxim PS, Teevan JJ. J. Res. Crime Delinq. 1993; 30(1): 30-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Recently, Gottfredson and Hirschi proposed a general theory of crime. Central to the theory is the assumption that most criminal behavior is impulsive and reflects a lack of self-control. Thus criminals are seen as risk takers who are less restrained than noncriminals from illegal activities. In a secondary analysis of data from a roadside traffic survey, this study attempts to test Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory by examining the relationship between self-control and driving under the influence of alcohol. Using several indicators of self-control, the results support the existence of a relationship for both men and women between low self-control and driving under the influence of alcohol.