NCJ Number
200641
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 282-301
Date Published
June 2003
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article extends Tittle’s recently articulated control balance theory, which offers an explanation for deviant behavior, to the phenomenon of victimization.
Abstract
Most criminological theories attempt to explain criminal or deviant behavior while only a handful of theories attempt to explain victimization. Tittle’s control balance theory, which explains deviant behavior, holds that the amount of control a person is subject to versus the amount of control they exercise influences the probability and type of deviant behavior. The authors test whether this theory can be applied to victimization by examining the self-report survey data provided by 253 respondents at a large, urban university. Survey questions focused on measuring control ratios and victimization experiences. Results of segmented, nonlinear regression indicated that both general and predative victimization was positively associated with control surpluses and control deficits, even after controlling for routine lifestyle activity and demographic variables. More specifically, particular types of control imbalances were shown to be positively associated with the probability of victimization. As such, the authors conclude that the determinants of deviance in control balance theory appear to be similar to the determinants of victimization. Future research should probe whether control balance theory can account for the demographic differences in victimization and for repeat victimization. References