Predictive Validity of Self-Reported Self-Control for Different Forms of Recidivism

Purpose: This prospective study investigated the predictive validity of Self-Control (SC) for several forms of criminal recidivism (general, property, violence, sexual). Design: N = 1838 male prisoners were interviewed while serving a prison sentence. Personality traits known to be related to SC served as operationalization of SC. Cluster analyses identified three clusters of SC-related traits: Emotion Regulation, Self-Assertion, and Effortful Control. Survival-analyses predicted recidivism, which was assessed using official data. The follow up period amounted to 72 months. Findings: The SC-related trait clusters significantly predicted general and violent reoffending, after controlling for established risk factors for recidivism (age, age at first offense, social status, previous youth detention, out-of-home placements, and length of imprisonment). However, trait clusters did not predict reoffending with a property offense. Offenders with violent or sex offenses in their criminal history showed different profiles on the trait clusters. Originality: SC is an important risk factor for violent recidivism. SC-related trait clusters should not be combined to form a single score, because essential information for risk profiles would be lost.