Abstract

The present study focuses on the principle of the conditional relevance of controls in the person–environment interaction, one of the key propositions of Situational Action Theory (SAT). In a visual randomized scenario study, this principle is tested on a minor form of rule-breaking, theft by taking. Multiple groups comparison based on structural equation modeling is utilized to simultaneously test the effects of self-control ability and perceived deterrence in a region-wide convenience sample (N = 3591). Six different person–environment subgroups of respondents were created based on self-reported levels of personal morality and random exposure to one of two manipulated scenario conditions representing exposure to respectively weak and strong setting criminogeneity. Overall, the findings suggest partial support to the notion of conditional relevance of controls in the likelihood of a minor instance of rule-breaking. The effects of both control variables, self-control ability and perceived deterrence, are especially strong in a subgroup characterized by weak personal morality and strong setting criminogeneity—a condition of moral correspondence—which is not fully in line with SAT’s predictions. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to SAT.

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