Perceived injustice and delinquency: A test of general strain theory
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
While a growing body of empirical literature supports many key predictions of General Strain Theory (GST), the subjective perception of injustice remains a theoretically important but empirically under-researched type of strain. The present study therefore examines the relations among perceived injustice, anger, and rule-violation.
Methods
Using a sample of middle- and high-school students from 12 schools in Southern New Hampshire, the present study tests GST via a series of OLS, negative binomial, and structural equation analyses using a more precise measure of perceived injustice than prior work and extensive statistical controls for such variables as self-control, differential association, attitudes toward delinquency, and alternative strain measures in a longitudinal context.
Results
Results yield strong support for the notions that perceived injustice promotes delinquency and that this relationship is mediated by situational anger.
Conclusions
Perceived injustice appears to be an important type of strain that should be incorporated into future research and addressed by future delinquency prevention efforts.
Department
Sociology
Publication Date
3-2012
Journal Title
Journal of Criminal Justice
Publisher
Elsevier
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2012.02.001
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Cesar J. Rebellon, Michelle E. Manasse, Karen T. Van Gundy, Ellen S. Cohn, Perceived injustice and delinquency: A test of general strain theory, Journal of Criminal Justice, Volume 40, Issue 3, May–June 2012, Pages 230-237, ISSN 0047-2352, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2012.02.001.
Rights
© 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.