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Journal Article 1: Booth, J. A., Farrell, A., & Varano, S. P. (2008). Social control, serious delinquency, and risky behavior: A gendered analysis. Crime & Delinquency, 43, 423–456.
Abstract: Social control theory asserts that strong social bonds inhibit delinquency, whereas weak bonds offer little resistance to offending. In the development of this theoretical perspective, new research suggests that the type and magnitude of social bonds have differing effects on male and female delinquency. This study adds to our understanding of how social control factors of parental attachment, involvement in diverse prosocial activities, belief in traditional norms, and school climate affect both young men's and young women's reports of serious delinquency and risky behavior in a sample of high school youth. Whereas previous research has generally either controlled for the effect of gender statistically or studied all-male samples, this article uses separate models to examine the independent effects of social bonds on male and female delinquency. The findings support the development of gender-specific analyses to understand how social control affects male and female pathways into delinquency.

Journal Article 2: Cechaviciute, I., & Kenny, D.T. (2007). The relationship between neutralizations and perceived delinquent labeling criminal history in young offenders serving community orders. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34, 816–829.
Abstract: This study examined the associations between young offenders' justifications for delinquent behavior, their perceptions of being labeled “delinquent,” and criminal history. Young offenders (N = 153) serving community orders completed a questionnaire that assessed their use of justifications for offending (neutralizations) and their perceptions of being delinquent. More than half did not believe that others labeled them as delinquent. Those who did believe so self-reported more delinquency and other problem behaviors but did not a have more serious official criminal history than “unlabeled” offenders. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure (minimization and rationalization) for the neutralization items. Neutralization factors were weak predictors of official criminal history but were stronger predictors of self-reported delinquency and other problem behaviors. Findings are discussed with reference to the implications for risk and responsivity principles in the treatment of young offenders.

Journal Article 3: Church, W.T. II., Wharton, T., & Taylor, J.K. (2009). An examination of differential association and social control theory: Family systems and delinquency. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 7, 3–15.
Abstract: This study applies differential association and social control theories to juvenile delinquency. Using a path analysis model, relationships between family, self-image, and behavior are explored. Analyses suggest that positive self-image leads to decreased delinquency, and association with delinquent peers is the greatest predictor of delinquent behavior, regardless of race.