Differential Self-control Effects: Moral Filtering and the Subsidiary Relevance of Self-control

Abstract Criminological research has identified low self-control as major cause of criminal activity. However, astonishingly little is known about the individual and situational characteristics that affect functioning in relation to crime. Recent theorizing, especially context Situational Action Theory, suggests interplay personal contextual morality creates a morally preselected choice set whose composition determines relevance self-control. Guided by ideas differential effects moral filtering action alternatives, present inquiry investigates whether role crime causation depends on power factors exclude from considered behavioral options. We argue significance an individual’s capacity for increases with growing weakness filter, reaching its maximum when both setting encourage Analyses self-report data adolescent vandalism delinquency provide support effects. The general picture ability matters most strength filter hits low, which own rules norms facilitate offending. Further evidence contemplation highest jointly vandalism. There also indication trait greater effect at higher levels contemplation. All these results accord notion subsidiary control.