TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2012//
TI  - Criminal self-efficacy: exploring the correlates and consequences of a "successful criminal" identity
JO  - Criminal justice and behavior
A1  - Brezina, Timothy
A1  - Topalli, Volkan
SP  - 1042
EP  - 1062
VL  - 39
IS  - 8
N2  - Self-efficacy refers to the belief that one can perform successfully at a given task or endeavor. Previous research indicates that self-efficacy in relation to conventional pursuits (e.g., performance in school) is associated with positive social adjustment. However, the possibility that individuals may develop self-efficacy in relation to nonconventional pursuits-including crime and delinquency-remains largely unexplored. In this study, the authors adopt a multimethod approach to explore (a) offenders' personal judgments regarding their level of effectiveness or "success" at crime, (b) the factors that contribute to high criminal self-efficacy, and (c) the impact of self-efficacy judgments on offenders' future intentions. <br><br>RESULTS of quantitative and qualitative analyses reveal that many offenders maintain a strong sense of criminal efficacy despite past arrests, convictions, and incarceration. Moreover, criminal self-efficacy tends to reduce their intentions to desist from crime. Implications for punishment, deterrence, and criminological theory are discussed. KW: Juvenile justice; Juvenile delinquency;<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0093-8548
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0093854812438345
ID  - ref1
ER  -