The Association between Uncoupling and being Charged with a Criminal Offense, Drug Use, and Binge Drinking
Open Access
Author:
Leibelsperger, Kelsey
Graduate Program:
Criminology
Degree:
Master of Arts
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
September 17, 2020
Committee Members:
Holly Nguyen, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Pamela K Wilcox, Committee Member Valarie Elizabeth King, Committee Member Eric P Baumer, Program Head/Chair
Keywords:
relationship dissolution crime substance use
Abstract:
Background: Traditionally studies have found that quality romantic relationships, especially marriages, reduce criminal offending and substance use. However, recent trends in romantic relationships have found an increase in cohabitation along with high rates of relationship instability for marriages and cohabitating relationships. Despite an expansive literature on the general consequences of relationship dissolution such as economic situations and physical and mental health, less is known about how relationship dissolution influences criminal offending and substance use for males and females.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how relationship dissolution, for both marriages and cohabitating relationships is associated with criminal offending, illegal drug use, and binge drinking for males and females.
Data: This study uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study.
Method: Linear probability fixed effects models are utilized to examine the association between the different types of relationship dissolution and being charged with a crime, using illegal drugs, and binge drinking. Separate models are estimated for males and females to capture any possible gender differences.
