Based on a theoretical model that emphasises the distinction between individual and
contextual determinants of antisocial behaviour, the current study examined whether
school attendance throughout adolescence acted as a protective factor for
individuals at risk for criminal behaviour in early adulthood. Specifically, Lack of
Control, an index of self-regulation which has previously been shown to predict
later criminal behaviour, was expected to interact with early school leaving to
predict self-reports and official records of criminal behaviour collected at age 21.
Multivariate regression analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction
between school attendance, self-regulation, and sex. Among males, after controlling
for the effects of socioeconomic status and IQ, the main effects for Lack of Control
and school attendance were found to be significant; additionally, the interaction
between Lack of Control and school attendance was significant, indicating that the
strength of the relation between Lack of Control and criminal outcomes was moderated
by school attendance. The main effects for Lack of Control and school attendance
were significant for females, but the interaction between Lack of Control and school
attendance was not significant. The protective effect of school attendance among
males could not be accounted for by differences in familial disruption or adolescent delinquency.
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