Agnew's General Strain Theory

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Agnew's strain theory has it’s focus on the individual side and the immediate social setting (Agnew 1992). According to (Maseroll and piquero 1997) General Strain Theory presents three categories of strain, which may impact deviant outcomes. First, strain occurs as individuals fail to achieve positive goals to which they aspire, Agnew argues that strain resulting from the gap between expectations and actual achievements is the trigger, as well as the gap between just and fair outcomes and actual outcomes. A second type of strain, according to GST, represents the strain which results from the removal of positively valued stimuli. This type of strain involves the stress related to events in which individuals lose something they value such as the loss of a boyfriend or girlfriend, changing or being suspended from school, or losing (e.g., death) a close relative or friend. The third major source of strain according to the theory, is the presentation of negative or noxious stimuli. It involves being exposed to various aversive circumstances such as being a victim of crime, being abused as a child or having negative experiences at school or in the family. According to GST, individuals experiencing strain may develop negative affective states or emotions such as frustration, anxiety, depression or anger. When angry emotional states develop, chances for deviant responses increase.

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