Agnew's General Strain Theory

Agnew's General Strain Theory suggests that people experience stress or frustration when they face negative situations, such as failure, loss, or unfair treatment. This strain can lead to emotional pressure, which may increase the likelihood of engaging in delinquent or deviant behavior as a way to cope or reduce these feelings. However, not everyone responds the same way; personal and social factors influence whether someone turns to crime. Essentially, the theory emphasizes how stressful life experiences can contribute to criminal or risky behavior, especially when individuals lack healthy coping resources.