ABSTRACT
General Strain Theory (GST) argues that certain stressors increase the likelihood of crime. Yet, many strains do not appear to increase crime. Data support most of these predictions, although certain of these predictions have not been well tested. Until recently, for example, there was little research on the effect of prejudice and discrimination, criminal victimization, and peer abuse on crime. GST argues that the primary reason strains lead to crime is that they contribute to a range of negative emotions, such as anger and frustration. Researchers should also examine other negative emotions in addition to anger, including frustration, envy, jealousy, depression, and fear. Although certain strains increase the likelihood of crime, most people do not cope with strains through crime. GST, therefore, devotes much attention to factors that influence the likelihood of criminal coping. Some research finds that these factors influence the likelihood of criminal coping, but other research does not.
