The shortsighted victim: Short-term mindsets mediate the link between victimization and later offending

Predominant explanations of the victim-offender overlap tend to focus on shared causes, such as (low) self-control or risky lifestyles. Such bypass possibility a causal link between victimization and offending. We draw evolutionary developmental psychology criminological research propose test hypothesis that induces what we refer short-term mindset, i.e., an orientation towards here-and-now at expense considering future, which in turn increases this mediation using structural equation modeling longitudinal data from representative sample urban youth city Zurich, Switzerland (N = 1675). In line with our preregistered predictions, find mindsets mediate effect offending, net prior levels offending mindsets, other controls. discuss implications for theory interventions.