Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

9-2026

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Kevin T. Wolff

Committee Members

Gohar A. Petrossian

Joshua D. Freilich

Jean M. McGloin

Subject Categories

Criminology | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Developmental Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Theory, Knowledge and Science

Keywords

Criminological Temperament, Add Health, Personality, Effortful Control, Negative Emotionality, Mixed Effects

Abstract

Temperament, an individual's largely innate tendency to experience and regulate responses to their environment, has long been studied but was only recently introduced as a primary predictor of criminal behavior (DeLisi & Vaughn, 2014). While prior criminological theories have incorporated temperament-related constructs, such as negative affect (Agnew, 1992; Moffitt, 1993) and self-control (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990), no other theory has explicitly positioned temperament as the central factor in offending. DeLisi and Vaughn’s temperament-based theory of antisocial behavior posits that individuals with low effortful control and high negative emotionality—features of a difficult temperament—are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Despite empirical support linking temperament to delinquency, research has yet to explore its precursors, establish its stability across the life course, or thoroughly examine its long-term effects on offending. This dissertation addresses these gaps using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), a nationally representative dataset tracking individuals from adolescence (ages 12–20) to adulthood (ages 24-32). Employing various regression and growth model techniques, this study explores (1) the precursors of temperament, (2) its stability over time, and (3) its influence on offending behaviors. By leveraging individual-level longitudinal data, this research advances temperament theory’s role in criminology, offering insights into how biological predispositions and environmental factors interact to shape criminal trajectories. Findings will inform theoretical development and policy interventions aimed at early identification and prevention of criminal behavior.

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