ABSTRACT
This chapter builds on the concept on individual differences in deterrence theory in several important ways. First, we review recent studies expressly designed to test for heterogeneous deterrent effects based on individual differences, mainly focusing on the role of criminal propensity as a moderating factor in the deterrence process. Second, we argue for a focus on individual differences in the sensitivity to rewards from crime as a new and theoretically rich dimension around which to study this concept. Finally, we outline future directions for the study of individual differences in the deterrence process, specifically by considering the limitations of most current data sets used for exploring offender decision-making, and ways in which future studies on the topic can be planned out.
