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Criminal Justice and Behavior
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Genetic and Environmental Influences on Levels of Self-Control and Delinquent Peer Affiliation

Results from a Longitudinal Sample of Adolescent Twins

Kevin M. Beaver

Florida State University, kbeaver{at}fsu.edu

J. Eagle Schutt

University of Louisville

Brian B. Boutwell

Florida State University

Marie Ratchford

Florida State University

Kathleen Roberts

Florida State University

J.C. Barnes

Florida State University

Despite the fact that low self-control and exposure to delinquent peers are two of the most robust and consistent predictors of crime, delinquency, and antisocial behavior, much remains unknown about what causes self-control to develop and what causes youths to befriend antisocial peers. This study estimated the relative effects of environmental and genetic factors on levels of self-control and contact with delinquent peers in a sample of twins from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). DeFries-Fulker analysis of the Add Health data revealed that both self-control and contact with drug-using friends were influenced by genetic factors and the nonshared environment, whereas the shared environment exhibited relatively small and inconsistent effects. Implications for self-control theory and social learning theory are discussed.

Key Words: Add Health • delinquent peers • genetics • self-control • twins

Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 36, No. 1, 41-60 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0093854808326992
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