Collective Self-Control as a Feature of Social Contexts: Theoretical Arguments and a Multilevel Empirical Test

Abstract

Objectives: We draw from prior theory and research to advance theoretical arguments for how self-control may operate as a collective concept in addition to being a powerful individual quality. Next, we empirically examine hypotheses regarding the potential effects of collective self-control on offending. Methods: We use data from the 2018 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, a statewide survey of Florida middle school and high school students nested within more than 400 schools. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used to estimate effects of individual- and school-level self-control on substance use and delinquency. Results: Variation in self-control is primarily between individuals rather than between schools, but a statistically significant amount of school-level variation was observed. Moreover, school low self-control was significantly related to substance use and delinquency, and school low self-control amplified the effects of individual low self-control. Conclusions: Self-control is a critical individual-level quality, but a unique contribution also comes from a collective-level conceptualization that considers that social groups and contexts vary in how much they promote the use of self-control.