Personal Control and Antisocial Coaching: A Test of Self-Control and Control Balance Theories

ABSTRACT

Although the study of sports deviance has gained traction across a variety of academic disciplines, existing research often lacks theoretical guidance and ignores criminological insight. To fill this gap in the literature, the current study employs structural equation modeling to test the efficacy of self-control and control balance theory in explaining antisocial coaching behaviors among a sample of 196 Iranian soccer coaches. Results indicate that low self-control, sport control deficit, low informal sanction, and deviant motivation have direct effects on antisocial coaching. In addition, low self-control, sport control deficit, and situational provocation have indirect effects on antisocial coaching. These findings expand the scope of traditional criminological theories to the study of sports deviance and provide guidance for the development of proactive policy solutions aimed to reduce antisocial coaching behaviors.

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Saeed Kabiri

Saeed Kabiri earned his masters degree in Sociology from the University of Guillan (2012) and his PhD in the Social Problems of Iran at the University of Mazandaran. He has published several papers in the sociology and criminology of sports, with a particular interest in testing theories of criminal/deviant behavior.

Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) Shadmanfaat

Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) Shadmanfaat earned her masters degree in Sociology at the University of Guillan (2016) and has published several papers in the sociology and criminology of sport with a particular focus on gender differences.

Tia Stevens Andersen

Tia Stevens Andersen is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. She received her PhD from Michigan State University in 2013. Her primary research agenda involves examining how gender, race, and structural inequalities influence justice system involvement.