The relation between family and low self-control is usually studied withinlinear hypotheses. In this study, we intended to test the familial origin ofself-control under a curvilinear hypothesis. This is a cross-sectional study,with a sample of 448 adolescents and young adults. Data analysis wasbased on correlation and regression-based statistics. Results revealed linearassociations between family functioning and juvenile deviant behavior,contrary to self-control which presented curvilinear relations with familycohesion and flexibility (i.e. both high and low extreme levels were associated with low self-control). This finding suggests a new approach to thefamilial origin of low self-control.