Previous research links antisocial traits with criminal involvement and contact with the criminal justice system. In line with these findings, an emerging body of research has begun to explore if antisocial traits and persistent criminal behavior are associated with life outcomes outside of crime. The limited research that has examined the associations between antisocial traits, persistent offending, and life outcomes outside of crime has revealed that both antisocial traits and persistent offending are associated with an array of negative life outcomes including unemployment, financial instability, health problems, and turbulent interpersonal relationships (Beaver et al., 2016; Farrington, 2006; Miller, Barnes, & Beaver, 2011; Moffitt, Caspi, Harrington, & Milne, 2002; Moffitt et al., 2011). Considerably less research, however, has examined potential protective factors that may moderate the associations between antisocial traits, persistent offending, and negative life outcomes. This dissertation will address these gaps in the literature by examining associations between antisocial traits (i.e., low self-control, psychopathic personality traits), life-course-persistent offending, and life outcomes outside of crime and contract with the criminal justice system. In addition, this dissertation will explore potential individual-level and environmental protective factors that may moderate the associations between antisocial traits, persistent offending, and life outcomes outside of crime. The results reveal that antisocial traits and persistent offending are associated with life outcomes outside of crime. Additionally, the findings indicate that the relationships between antisocial traits, persistent offending, and life outcomes are moderated by several protective factors. The implications of these findings are discussed in reference to theory, policy implications, and future research.
