ABSTRACT

This study tests the hypothesis that higher perceptions of satisfaction with life (SWL) are related to lower engagement in crime and deviance. The results can inform prevention, intervention, and policy efforts based on deterrence, general strain, and restorative justice within the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Using a sample of students at two Pennsylvania universities, data were collected using a paper-based, self-reported survey that included measures for their perceptions of SWL, feelings of strain, and engagement in past acts of deviance and crime. Data analysis included independent samples T-tests and logistic regression estimates. Results of the t-tests supported the hypothesis for nine of 16 acts of deviance/crime. Logistic regression models supported the hypothesis, with SWL having significant associations alone, and with SWL eliminating the relationship to strain alone when SWL covaried with strain. Based on these results, the study offers recommendations to further test the satisfaction with life-crime link, to incorporate SWL interventions into the criminal justice system, and to study SWL interventions for evidence of success.

摘要

这项研究检验了一个假设，即更高的生活满意度 (SWL) 与更低的犯罪和越轨行为有关。结果可以为刑事和少年司法系统中基于威慑、一般压力和恢复性司法的预防、干预和政策努力提供信息。使用宾夕法尼亚州两所大学的学生样本，使用基于纸张的自我报告调查收集数据，其中包括衡量他们对 SWL 的看法、压力感以及过去越轨行为和犯罪行为的参与度。数据分析包括独立样本 T 检验和逻辑回归估计。t 检验的结果支持 16 种越轨行为/犯罪中的 9 种的假设。Logistic 回归模型支持该假设，SWL 单独具有显着关联，当 SWL 与应变共变时，SWL 消除了与单独应变的关系。基于这些结果，该研究提供了建议，以进一步测试对生命与犯罪联系的满意度，将 SWL 干预纳入刑事司法系统，并研究 SWL 干预以获取成功的证据。