A Test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

This article presents a test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) general theory using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of the study, which are based on self-reports from a sample of 422 university students, generally support the theory. The support is qualified by methodological and analytical limitations. Despite its limitations, the study represents an addition to the growing body of empirical support for Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory.