An exploratory assessment of tittle's control balance theory: Results from the national youth survey

Abstract

Charles Tittle's control balance theory states that deviant acts are the outcome of both insufficient and excessive control. Unfortunately, control balance theory is largely untested. In this study, data from the National Youth Study ( n =1,384) were used to investigate the effects of control imbalances at work and in relationships on autonomous and repressive forms of deviance. Findings are consistent with previous research. While control imbalances are significant predictors of deviance, they do not always operate as the initial statement of control balance theory predicts. The implications of our findings for control balance theories and future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Control Balance Theory
• National Youth Survey
• Deviance
• Social Control
• Crime
• Offender