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Sociology and Criminology & Law

Criminology, Law and Society Grads

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Acton

Daniel Acton


Degrees Earned:
  • B.A. Sociology, emphasis in Criminology, University of Montana
  • B.A. Pyschology, University of Montana
  • M.A. Sociology, emphasis in Criminology, University of Montana

Research Interests:
  • Life Course Criminology
  • Siblings/Families
  • Personality
  • Violence
  • Drug Abuse

Dissertation Title: Siblings: Delinquency & Victimization

Abstract: The family is a primary institution of socialization that serves an important role in shaping children’s prosocial and deviant behaviors. Crime runs in the family and, compared to influence of parents, the influences of siblings is often overlooked or neglected although delinquency is associated among siblings. While some research shows evidence of significant sibling influences on delinquency, these studies are limited by 1) examining one-way sibling influences, 2) including few risk factors related to the sibling, and 3) not using multilevel models when siblings are nested within families. To address the limitations of prior research and expand on the knowledge regarding sibling influences on delinquency and victimization, I analyze data from the Longitudinal Cohort Study of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Data are analyzed using a multilevel, Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, a form of dyadic data analysis that allows testing of reciprocal influences among dyads. The approach to data analysis also allows distinguishing between the effects of older siblings and younger siblings. In evaluating sibling influences, this study provides further information on how siblings influence each other’s delinquency and victimization.
CV