Publications [#253481] of Terrie E. Moffitt

Journal Articles

1. Moffitt, TE; Gabrielli, WF; Mednick, SA; Schulsinger, F (1981). Socioeconomic status, IQ, and delinquency.. Journal of abnormal psychology, 90(2), 152-156. [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/20)

   Abstract:
   A number of studies have found a negative relationship between IQ and delinquent involvement. Some researchers maintain that IQ is a spurious variable in the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and delinquency, whereas others assert that IQ bears a causal relationship to delinquency that is independent of the effects of SES. Results from 2 Danish prospective longitudinal studies are presented that support the latter view. Ss in the 1st study were 129 males born between September, 1959 and December, 1961; all male offspring born between 1944 and 1947 served as Ss in Study 2 (N = 31,436). In each study, a significant negative correlation between IQ and level of delinquent involvement remained after SES effects were partialled out. It is posited that low IQ children may be likely to engage in delinquent behavior because their poor verbal abilities limit their opportunities to obtain rewards in the school environment. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1981 American Psychological Association.