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HERO ID
7475054
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and criminal behaviour: The role of adolescent marginalization
Author(s)
Savolainen, J; Hurtig, TM; Ebeling, HE; Moilanen, IK; Hughes, LA; Taanila, AM
Year
2010
Volume
7
Issue
6
Page Numbers
442-459
Language
English
DOI
10.1177/1477370810376568
Abstract
Prior research has established a strong link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and criminal behaviour. Drawing on two key theories of life-course criminology - Moffitt's (1993) dual taxonomy and Sampson and Laub's (1993) age-graded theory of informal social control - the purpose of the present study was to examine the aetiology of this association. Consistent with Moffitt's theory, we found the effect of ADHD on crime to be substantial and moderated by cognitive deficits (low verbal ability). Adolescent social bonds - variables derived from Sampson and Laub's theory - did not mediate the interaction effect. However, in support of age-graded theory, we found that adolescent social marginalization contributes significantly to criminal behaviour independently of early childhood measures of criminal propensity. © The Author(s) 2010.
Keywords
ADHD; criminal behaviour; Finland; life-course theory
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