Earticle

In 1990, Gottfredson and Hirshi proposed self-control theory, which they espouse proffers an explanation of all crime. In 1991, the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.) was established as a local school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum with the primary objective of preventing elementary and middle school youths from joining street gangs. Through performance of a secondary data analysis of results from the 1995 cross-sectional evaluation, this project demonstrates that certain variables derived from the G.R.E.A.T. Program evaluation provides empirical support for Gottfredson and Hirschi’s classic self-control theory. Utilizing structural equation modeling facilitated the assessment of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s classical self-control model by conveying an overall picture of the relationship among the main factors. Theoretical direction and empirical relationship between parental management factor and criminal behaviors has precisely revealed. Furthermore, the findings provide new guidance to search and identify a proactive approach to deter future juvenile delinquency.