Abstract
There is growing interest in identifying the factors that contribute to variation in self-control. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) maintain that levels of self-control are determined solely through socialization processes, especially those that occur in the family. Another body of research, however, suggests that biological factors are also important to the development of self-control. The authors draw from these two lines of inquiry and examine the biosocial underpinnings to low self-control. Analyses of data from the National Survey of Children reveal that levels of self-control are the result of a complex arrangement of biological and social factors. Measures of neuropsychological deficits, birth complications, low birth weight, harsh parental punishment, family rules, and neighborhood disadvantage all have significant direct or indirect effects on levels of self-control. Additional analyses reveal significant associations between low self-control and delinquent involvement.