General Strain Theory, Situational Anger, and Social Networks: An Assessment of Conditioning Influences

• NCJ Number: 191758
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2001 Pages: 445-461
• Author(s): George E. Capowich; Paul Mazerolle; Alex Piquero
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using a random sample of university students to test general strain theory (GST), this study expanded on previous tests of strain theory in focusing on the role of anger in explaining how strain affects criminal behavior.

Abstract

GST views negative emotions as reactions to various noxious stimuli (e.g., negative relationships with others, failure to achieve desired goals, and loss of a valued relationship). Negative affective states (e.g., anger and related emotions) arise in reaction to these stimuli, and this creates a need for corrective actions as a means of managing or alleviating these negative emotions. According to GST, these emotions are criminogenic because crime, deviance, and drug use may be among the choices people make as a way to manage the effects of negative emotions. The current research administered a questionnaire to a random sample of 382 university undergraduates at a large western university during the spring 1997 semester. Fictional scenarios were used to assess behavioral intentions to commit selected crimes in response to strain. Strain was measured with a composite measure that drew on a number of discrete categories of strain identified by GST. These sources of strain were designed to capture examples of the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the presentation of negative stimuli, and the removal of positive stimuli. The study examined the role of social support networks as a conditioning influence on the effects of strain and anger on intentions to commit three types of criminal behavior: serious assault, shoplifting, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The results provided mixed support for GST. Although the link between anger and crime was confirmed, the nature of that relationship in some cases ran counter to the theory. Moreover, the evidence indicated that the role of social support networks was complex and varied as a conditioning influence on intentions to engage in criminal activities. 5 tables, 11 notes, and 42 references