NCJ Number
210501
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 40 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 115-132
Date Published
2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study of 572 male and 120 female graduates of a boot camp examined the potency of self-control as a predictor of recidivism (felony conviction or parole violation in a 5-year follow-up period) compared to gender, age, and elements of life-course theory.
Abstract
One of the primary features of the boot camp model is the application of a military regime that mimics the boot camp in basic military training. Such conditioning is expected to enhance self-control in avoiding prohibited behaviors and complying with positive behaviors. The analysis of recidivism for the sample of boot camp graduates found that 61.5 percent of the men and 41.7 percent of the women were either arrested for a felony or violated their parole during the 5-year follow-up. Cox's Proportional-Hazards Models were used to analyze the impact of the measures of self-control, gender, and age on recidivism. Also measured were elements of life-course theory, which posits that developments in informal social controls -- such as bonding with intimates, children, and other family members, as well as commitments to jobs and education -- will reduce commitment to a criminal lifestyle. The study found that self-control, gender, and age were significant predictors of recidivism when considered separately; and self-control and gender remained significant predictors of recidivism when analyzed simultaneously. Low self-control was a stronger predictor of recidivism for men than women. Low self-control was a significant predictor of recidivism after elements of life-course theory were added to an analysis that also included age and gender. The authors argue that although degree of self-control is an important predictor of recidivism, it is best viewed as an element of broader theories, such as life-course theory, than posited as a stand-alone theory. 4 tables and 46 references