A self-control/life-course theory of criminal behavior

This article presents an integrated self-control/life-course theory of criminal behavior. Coming in the form of 10 propositions, the broad message is that these two seemingly incompatible theoretical traditions can be successfully linked together when: (1) self-control is viewed as dynamic and subject to considerable change both situationally and over time, and (2) self-control is seen as an important cause of selection into the kinds of significant life events (both positive and negative turning points') that are assumed to, in turn, influence offending. The implications for testing this integrated model and for continued theoretical development are discussed.