Self-control interventions for children under age 10 for improving self-control and delinquency and problem behaviors


Author(s): Alex R. Piquero, Wesley G. Jennings, David P. Farrington Published by: The Campbell Collaboration Supported by: - Date: Status: Finished




Background Self-control improvement programs are intended to serve many purposes, most notably improving self-control. Yet, interventions such as these often aim to reduce delinquency and problem behaviors. However, there is currently no summary statement available regarding whether or not these programs are effective in improving self-control and reducing delinquency and problem behaviors. Objectives The main objective of this review is to assess the available research evidence on the effect of self-control improvement programs on self-control and delinquency and problem behaviors. In addition to investigating the overall effect of early self-control improvement programs, this review will examine, to the extent possible, the context in which these programs may be most successful. Main results The studies included in this systematic review indicate that self-control improvement programs are an effective intervention for improving self-control and reducing delinquency and problem behaviors, and that the effect of these programs appears to be rather robust across various weghting procedures, and across context, outcome source, and based on both published and unpublished data. Researchers Alex R. Piquero, Univeristy of Maryland, apiquero@crim.umd.edu Wesley G. Jennings, Univeristy of Louisville David P. Farrington, Cambridge University