ABSTRACT
General strain theory argues that strains or stressors increase the likelihood of negative emotions like anger and frustration. These emotions create pressure for corrective action, and crime is one possible response. Crime may be a method for reducing strain, seeking revenge, or alleviating negative emotions. Robert Agnew stated that strain refers to “relationships in which others are not treating the individual as he or she would like to be treated”. Individuals may cope with strain in a number of ways, only some of which involve crime. Individuals may cope using a variety of cognitive strategies, most of which attempt to redefine strainful events and conditions in ways that minimize their adversity. Individuals may employ behavioral coping strategies that are intended to terminate, reduce, or escape from the strainful events and conditions. Agnew presented unjust treatment as a distinct category of strain, classified under “the failure to achieve positively-valued goals.”
