| Motor vehicle theft is a considerable problem that has been escalating in Canada since the late 1980s. Given the severe consequences, the problem of motor vehicle theft is of fundamental importance. For example, beyond the obvious implications of having a motor vehicle stolen, the act may also result in critical injury and loss of life, as well as create a hefty financial strain on society.; Given the above, the purpose of this research, is to expand on the existing literature by exploring the influence of a number of psychological (i.e., impulsive-sensation seeking, psychological adjustment and level of responsibility) and social (i.e., parent and peer adjustment) risk factors that others have identified as being related to the commission of motor vehicle theft. The first logical step in explaining this issue is to test the veracity of a number of factors that have been put forward as contributing elements to young offender motor vehicle theft. Second, in terms of social risk factors, all participants were found to be securely attached to parents, have good communication with peers and experience normal ranges of peer pressure. However, motor vehicle theft offender participants were found to have significantly more negative family atmosphere. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
