NCJ Number
226752
Journal
Criminology Volume: 47 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2009 Pages: 239-268
Date Published
February 2009
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study explored the creation of violent offenders using the model outlined in differential coercion theory.
Abstract
A review of the findings suggests that differential coercion theory has promise for understanding the creation of a chronic predatory offender. Coercion was found to have a direct relationship with violent offending as a well as a relationship that was mediated by low self-control, anger, coercive modeling, and coercive ideation. The results provide preliminary evidence in support of the perspective. Differential coercion theory outlines the relationship between coercion and crime. In this perspective, coercion is identified as a “force that compels or intimidates an individual to act because of the fear and anxiety it creates.” This study examined differential coercion theory and the role that coercion and the social-psychological deficits of anger, low self-control, coercive modeling, coercive ideation, and control imbalances played in the generation of violent crime. Five different forms of coercion were examined: physical abuse while at home, violent victimization on the street, homelessness, the reception of state financial assistance, and being incarcerated, as well as the five social-psychological deficits. A total of 313 youth from Canada were interviewed and data were collected between June 2005 and January 2006. Tables, references, and appendix