Agnew's Strain Theory

Agnew's Strain Theory

  • Submitted By: studvis
  • Date Submitted: 12/20/2008 1:02 PM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 1635
  • Page: 7
  • Views: 1464

The general strain theory, created by Robert Agnew, was an explanation of why individuals respond to stress and strain with crime. Also the general strain theory also states that strain leads to delinquency. Strain is a result of failure to succeed at the goals set by society. Success is based upon fame and wealth, when individuals failed to achieve certain goals they experienced strain, which can lead to frustration and depression. People often compare themselves to friends or peers who make more money and have larger houses. Known as disjunction of expectations and achievements people often get stressed out when they see others with nicer things even if they are well off. The loss or removal of positively valued stimuli such as loss of a girlfriend or death of a close family member can result in strain. Also the presentation of negative stimuli produces strain in people. Negative or noxious stimuli include child abuse, neglect, physical punishment, and school failure can all lead to strain (Siegel, 2003).
According to the general strain theory, strain can often cause negative emotions such as anger, depression, and frustration. When anger is the result of strain, deviant responses including retaliatory, instrumental, or escapist behavior are more probable (Capowich et al., 2001). However it is important to note that Agnew’s strain theory allows for other responses to strain that are not criminal or deviant. “Only some strained individuals turn to delinquency”(Agnew, 1992:66). The general strain theory states that the response to strain is dependent on the nature, intensity and the duration of the strain. The theory also went on to say that each individual has several mechanisms for coping with strain at their disposal. Many people respond to strain in non-deviant ways at first but after these methods fail, they adopt illegitimate coping strategies (Broidy, 2001). Overall the general strain predicts that prolonged exposure to strain will produce...

Similar Essays