A Test of Social Learning Theory and Self-Control on Cyber Offending

The current study examines the mediating and moderating effects of both social learning theory (SLT), focusing on peer interactions (including both traditional and virtual peers), and self-control theory on self-reported cyber offending. Results for the two strongest SLT predictors, differential association and definitions favorable to crime, were in line with previous studies of both traditional and cyber offending in their conditional relationship with cyber offending. Self-control had no direct effect on cyber offending but displayed a significant interaction effect with both differential reinforcement and definitions.