Exploring General Strain Theory: How Stress Influences Behavior

General Strain Theory (GST) is a fascinating concept in psychology and criminology that helps us understand how stress can lead to negative behaviors. It was developed by Robert Agnew in the 1990s and has since provided insights into why people sometimes engage in actions that are harmful to themselves or others.

What is General Strain Theory?

At its core, GST suggests that individuals experience stress or strain when they face certain challenges in life. This strain can result from:

• Failure to achieve positive goals: For example, not getting a desired job or failing an exam.
• Removal of positive influences: Such as losing a loved one or a supportive friend.
• Exposure to negative stimuli: Like experiencing bullying or living in a violent environment.

How Strain Leads to Negative Outcomes

When people experience strain, they may react in various ways, which can sometimes lead to negative outcomes, including:

• Anger and frustration
• Depression and anxiety
• Engaging in criminal behavior

Steps in the Process of Strain to Behavior

1. Strain Occurs: A person encounters stress from one of the categories mentioned above.
2. Emotional Response: They may feel angry, sad, or hopeless.
3. Coping Mechanisms: People try to cope with their feelings, which can be healthy (talking to friends) or unhealthy (acting out).
4. Behavioral Outcome: Depending on how they cope, they might engage in positive behaviors or negative ones, like aggression or crime.

Types of Strain in General Strain Theory

GST identifies various types of strain, which can be categorized as follows:

• Personal Strain: Relates to individual experiences, such as personal failures or losses.
• Social Strain: Involves conflict with others, such as relationship issues or social isolation.
• Economic Strain: Centers around financial difficulties, like losing a job or facing debt.

Real-Life Examples of General Strain Theory

1. School Environment: A student fails a critical exam (failure to achieve a goal). The stress from this failure may lead them to feel frustrated and act out by skipping classes or engaging in disruptive behavior.
2. Workplace Stress: An employee is laid off (removal of positive influence). The stress of unemployment may lead them to feel hopeless, possibly leading to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
3. Neighborhood Violence: A teenager lives in a neighborhood with high crime rates (exposure to negative stimuli). This constant stress can lead to aggression or joining gangs as a way to find belonging or power.

Comparison with Other Theories

While GST focuses on strain and its effects, other theories like social learning theory emphasize how people learn behaviors from their environment. Here's a quick look at the differences:

• General Strain Theory: Focuses on stress and its impact on behavior.
• Social Learning Theory: Emphasizes learning through observation and imitation.
• Control Theory: Suggests that people commit deviant acts when their bonds to society are weak.

Understanding General Strain Theory is crucial for recognizing how stress impacts behavior. By addressing the sources of strain, individuals can find healthier ways to cope and lead more positive lives.