Parenting and Self-Control: Can the General Theory of Crime Explain Juvenile Offending in Brazil?

This study tests the General Theory of Crime (GTC) in Brazil, examining self-control and parenting practices as predictors of general and violent delinquency in a socially unequal context. Data from 1,909 adolescents (49.6% female, 48.3% male, and 2.1% non-binary; M age = 15) were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results indicated that family bonding and parental monitoring significantly predicted self-control dimensions (impulsivity and risk-seeking control). Risk-seeking control was significantly associated with both general and violent offending. Family bonding showed a direct association with general offending, while parental monitoring was associated with both outcomes. Overall, findings highlight the relevance of family influence in fostering cognitive skills and regulating criminal behavior, partially supporting the GTC in the Brazilian context.