NCJ Number
150524
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1994) Pages: 235-263
Date Published
1994
Length
29 pages
Annotation
The relationship between juvenile delinquency and general strain theory, a broad reformulation of strain theory, was examined using a longitudinal sample of adolescents.
Abstract
General strain theory regards strain as having three distinct sources: (1) blockage of desired goals, (2) withdrawal or loss of valued objects, and (3) introduction of negative stimuli. Previous empirical tests of general strain theory support this theory, but their shortcomings preclude the drawing of definitive conclusions. This study used data from the first and second waves of the National Youth Survey, a longitudinal study of the correlates of delinquency and drug use. The survey used a probability sample and drew 2,360 eligible youths 11-17 years old. The analysis used information from the 1,525 youths who were interviewed in both 1977 and 1978. Results revealed that several dimensions of general strain are positively related to involvement in a wide range of delinquent acts. Strain has both a direct effect on delinquency and indirect effects by weakening the inhibitions of the social bond and increasing a youth's involvement with delinquent peers. Findings indicated that general strain theory makes an important contribution to juvenile delinquency theory and that further research should focus on fully developing its implications. Tables, notes, appended methodological information, and 40 references (Author abstract modified)