Graduation Term

2015

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Criminal Justice Sciences

Committee Chair

Cara E. Rabe-Hemp

Abstract

General strain theory suggests that a number of conditioning factors affect who is more likely to respond to strain with crime. Research has also demonstrated that an individual's self-complexity plays a role in how an individual responds to strain. Self-complexity refers to (1) the number of identities individuals perceive as important to themselves; and (2) the varied characteristics they ascribe to these identities. This research study analyzed if college students were committing crime, whether the crimes were major or minor in nature, and if criminality was a new behavior or an imported one. This study also looked at who, if anyone, influenced college student's decisions to commit crime and if self-complexity played a role in student's decision. In addition, data was collected on what coping mechanisms students utilized, and if they were effective in reducing strain and therefore reducing criminal behavior.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2015.Cvetan.A

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