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Self-control, deviant peers, and software piracy
George E Higgins1, David A Makin
1University of Louisville, Department of Justice Administration, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. gehigg01@gwise.louisville.edu
Psychological Reports
|January 26, 2005
Summary
This study found that low self-control strongly predicts software piracy, especially when individuals associate with deviant peers. Moral attitudes also play a role in this relationship.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
Background:
- Self-control theory is a prominent explanation for criminal behavior.
- Previous research has not explored the link between low self-control and software piracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between low self-control and software piracy.
- To investigate the moderating role of associating with deviant peers on this correlation.
Main Methods:
- Data were collected from 302 university students.
- Statistical analysis was used to examine the correlations and moderation effects.
Main Results:
- Low self-control was significantly correlated with software piracy.
- The correlation was stronger for students with high associations with deviant peers.
- Attitudes towards software piracy varied based on peer associations.
Conclusions:
- Low self-control is a significant predictor of software piracy.
- Peer associations moderate the relationship between self-control and software piracy.
- Moral and favorable attitudes towards software piracy are influenced by peer associations.
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