Self-control, deviant peers, and software piracy.
Tests of self-control theory have examined a substantial number of criminal behaviors, but no study has examined the correlation of low self-control with software piracy. Using data collected from 302 students in this university, this study examined the correlation of low self-control with software piracy and the moderating role of associating with deviant peers in this correlation. Low self-control correlated with software piracy more strongly for those who had high associations with deviant peers than for students with low associations with deviant peers. Analysis indicated differential links for lack of moral attitude in relation to software piracy and favorable attitudes for software piracy for varying association with deviant peers.
Higgins
George E
GE
University of Louisville, Department of Justice Administration, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. gehigg01@gwise.louisville.edu
Makin
David A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012984:Software / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013800:Theft / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*