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You were briefly introduced to general strain theory (GST) in a previous lesson. We will now go more in depth into GST. GST is a criminological theory that was developed by Robert Agnew in the early 1990s. It seeks to expand upon Robert Merton’s strain theory by examining criminal behavior and focusing on the role of strain in an individual’s life (Siegel, 2018). GST provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how various forms of strain, or the excessive pressures or demands in one’s life, can lead to criminal behavior. Specifically, it tries to explain the individual-level sources of strain rather than just looking at the strain that results from not having the means to reach the societal goals related to success.
In the following sections, you will learn about the three main types of strain that can contribute to criminal behavior:
The first source of strain is the failure to achieve positively valued goals. This source of strain refers to the inability to attain society’s goals, such as financial success, academic achievement, or social status.
EXAMPLE
An employee thought that they were going to get a promotion, but it was given to someone else. This would have caused strain because the employee did not achieve a positively valued goal.GST highlights the significance of societal expectations and cultural norms in shaping individuals’ aspirations. This theory suggests that the pressure to achieve socially approved goals can create strain, especially when people perceive limited opportunities or face obstacles in pursuing these goals. The strain, in turn, may lead to criminal behavior as a means of coping with the negative emotions associated with unfulfilled aspirations (Siegel, 2018).
The removal of positively valued stimuli is the second source of strain. Positively valued stimuli refer to the things, experiences, or conditions that individuals perceive as desirable, rewarding, or pleasurable. These stimuli could include goals, relationships, or any other positive aspect of life.
EXAMPLE
The loss of positively valued stimuli can include the death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, and the loss of a job.According to GST, the removal of positively valued stimuli is considered a form of strain that can lead to criminal behavior. When individuals experience the loss or removal of something that they value positively, it can generate negative emotions such as frustration, anger, or despair (Siegel, 2018), leading to criminal behavior.
Finally, the third form of strain is the presentation of negatively valued stimuli. Negatively valued stimuli refer to events or situations that are perceived as unpleasant, frustrating, or stressful.
EXAMPLE
Negatively valued stimuli can include being victimized or sustaining a serious injury.According to GST, these negative experiences can lead to strain, which in turn may lead to criminal or deviant behavior. This theory suggests that individuals may turn to delinquent behavior as a coping mechanism in response to the strain caused by these negative stimuli, aiming to alleviate their negative emotions or improve their situation (Siegel, 2018).
In GST, negative affective states play a central role in understanding the link between strain and deviant behavior. Negative affective states refer to emotions and feelings that are considered undesirable or unpleasant, such as anger, frustration, anxiety, and depression. According to GST, individuals experience these negative affective states as a result of the strains they encounter in their lives, and these emotional reactions can lead to delinquency and criminal behavior (Siegel, 2018).
GST posits that individuals experience strain when they perceive a disjunction between their aspirations and their actual achievements. This strain results from the sources we discussed in the section above, including the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the removal of positively valued stimuli, and the presentation of negatively valued stimuli.
When individuals experience strain, they often respond with negative emotions.
EXAMPLE
If someone faces financial difficulties, they may feel frustration, anger, or despair. Similarly, if they experience a loss or failure in relationships or education, it can trigger negative emotions (Siegel, 2018).Negative affective states serve as motivators for individuals to cope with the strain they are experiencing. People can cope in positive or negative ways, which we will now discuss in more depth.
GST suggests that individuals seek to alleviate or escape from the strain resulting from their negative affective states and may turn to adaptive coping strategies, also known as coping mechanisms, while others turn to maladaptive coping strategies to alleviate their strain.
People with positive coping mechanisms may take direct action to improve their situation.
EXAMPLE
If they lose their job, they may start looking for a new one.They may also engage in ways to manage their emotional responses to strain.
EXAMPLE
They might see a therapist or reach out to their friends or family for support (Siegel, 2018).Most people engage in positive ways to alleviate their strain, but this is not the case for everyone. Some people resort to criminal behavior to cope with negative emotions resulting from strain, as criminal acts may provide a temporary escape from this emotional distress.
EXAMPLE
Some individuals may engage in direct acts of rebellion or aggression in response to their negative emotions, while others may turn to substance abuse as a means of self-medication.In both cases, the goal is to alleviate the negative affective states associated with the experienced strain (Siegel, 2018). However, the mechanism to do so is not a productive means of coping.
REFERENCES
Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: Theories, patterns, and typologies (13th ed.). Cengage.
