Chapter 28: FOUNDATION FOR A GENERAL STRAIN THEORY OF CRIME AND DELINQUENCY by Robert Agnew

What is the focus of General Strain Theory (GST)?

GST explains delinquency as a response to negative social relationships that produce strain, which leads to negative emotions (especially anger), creating pressure for corrective action that may include delinquency.

How does GST differ from social control and social learning theory?

- Focuses on negative relationships (not absence or positive relationships)

- Emphasizes delinquency as a response to pressure/negative affect, not just desire or drift

What are the three major types of strain according to GST?

1. Failure to achieve positively valued goals

2. Removal of positively valued stimuli

3. Presentation of negative or noxious stimuli

Describe "strain as the failure to achieve positively valued goals."

- Includes Merton's classic idea of blocked goals

Expanded to include:

Aspirations vs. expectations/actual achievements

Expectations vs. actual achievements

Just/fair outcomes vs. actual outcomes (equity perspective)

How does the "equity" perspective of strain work?

Individuals compare outcome/input ratios with others. Unequal ratios → perception of unfairness → distress → potential delinquency, especially when underrewarded.

What is "strain as the removal of positively valued stimuli"?

Strain occurs when something valued (e.g., a relationship, status, object) is lost or anticipated to be lost. Responses may include:

Preventing loss

Retrieving lost stimuli

Seeking revenge

Emotional coping (e.g., drugs)

What is "strain as the presentation of negative stimuli"?

Exposure to adverse or harmful conditions (e.g., abuse, conflict). This type of strain is linked to delinquency via negative affect (anger, frustration).

Why is anger particularly important in GST?

- Increases felt injury

Motivates retaliation/revenge

Energizes action

Lowers inhibitions, justifying delinquent acts

How does GST explain the chronic vs. acute strain effect?

- Chronic strain → predisposition to delinquency (lower coping threshold, more negative affect, hostile attitudes)

Acute strain → situational trigger for a specific delinquent act

What are the three types of coping strategies in GST?

1. Cognitive coping - changing how strain is perceived

2. Behavioral coping - acting to manage the strain

3. Emotional coping - managing the negative emotions directly

Give examples of cognitive coping strategies.

- Downplaying strain: "It's not important"

Minimizing impact: "It's not that bad"

Accepting blame: "I deserve it"

What are behavioral coping strategies?

1. Goal-directed behavior (restore positives, remove negatives; can be legal or delinquent)

2. Vengeful behavior (retaliation; high potential for delinquency)

What are emotional coping strategies?

Directly managing emotions via:

Drugs (stimulants/depressants)

Exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques

Expressive behaviors ("expression work")

What factors influence whether coping is delinquent or nondelinquent?

- Constraints: internal (traits, skills) & external (social support, resources, social environment)

Disposition: temperament, past learning, beliefs, attributions, peer influences

How do individual traits affect coping?

Intelligence, problem-solving, creativity, self-efficacy, interpersonal skills, and self-esteem affect sensitivity to strain and ability to cope constructively.

How does social support influence strain outcomes?

Informational, instrumental, and emotional support increases ability to respond nondelinquently.

What social/environmental factors affect delinquent coping?

- Urban underclass environments, limited escape options

Cultural emphasis on material success

Subcultural norms (e.g., violence)

Peer influence (exposure to delinquent models, reinforcement)

How does GST explain weak support for classic strain theory?

Classic tests ignored:

Multiple types of strain

Emotional responses (anger, resentment)

Alternative nondelinquent coping strategies

Social/environmental constraints and individual dispositions

How does GST complement other criminological theories?

- Focuses on negative relationships (social control: absence; social learning: positive influences)

Views delinquency as pressure-driven, not just desire or drift

Key contributions of GST?

- Expands sources of strain

Emphasizes emotional responses (anger)

Accounts for chronic and situational delinquency

Explains why some strained individuals do not commit crime

Highlights individual, social, and macro-level factors