GENERAL STRAIN THEORY AND DELINQUENCY - A REPLICATION AND EXTENSION

Strain theory has recently been reformulated into a theory of broader scope. In this revitalized version, called general strain theory, stra in is hypothesized to have three distinct sources; (a) blockage of des ired goals, (b) withdrawal or loss of valued objects, and (c) introduc tion of negative stimuli. Empirical tests of general strain theory are few to date, and those that have been conducted, although generally s upportive, have shortcomings that preclude the drawing of more definit ive conclusions. The authors conduct a more comprehensive test of gene ral strain theory and, with a longitudinal sample of adolescents, find that several dimensions of general strain are positively related to i nvolvement in a wide range of delinquent acts. Strain has both a direc t effect on delinquency and indirect effects by weakening the inhibiti ons of the social bond and increasing one's involvement with delinquen t peers. It is concluded that general strain theory makes an important contribution to delinquency theory, and additional efforts should be undertaken to fully develop its implications.