Exploring the Relationship between Strain and Some Neutralization Techniques

Abstract

Classic strain theorists, such as Cohen (1955) and Cloward and Ohlin (1960), placed the emphasis on the relationship between strain and neutralization techniques. They argued that strains foster the adoption of beliefs favourable to crime. According to General Strain Theory(GST), stressful events are most likely to result in crime when a form of criminal reasoning already exists in the individual's mind. But few researchers have tested this idea. This study is one of the first to apply GST to a sample of 500 Italian subjects, in an attempt to merge two important theories: Agnew's theory and the neutralization theory. We aimed to test whether or not there is a combined effect between strain and some techniques of neutralization, especially with respect to two different criminal behaviours: major and minor crimes. The results provide partial support for the core idea of GST, namely of there being a relationship between strain, anger and crime.

The impact of cognitive coping on the strain-delinquency relationship

“…This reinterpretation resolves the need to resort to delinquent coping mechanisms. The theoretical framework outlined by Agnew (1992Agnew ( , 2001Agnew ( , 2006 suggests cognitive coping abilities would play a moderating role in the strain-delinquency relationship; cognitive coping prevents the need for crime (Konty 2005;Froggio et al 2009). The theoretical construct of cognitive coping, in particular the attention drawn to appropriate problem-solving, is similar to what Kort-Butler (2009) explains as approach coping; a response characterized by logical analysis and positive reappraisal.…”

“…The coping mechanisms outlined by GST are not equally available to all persons (Agnew 1992;Froggio, Zamaro, Lori 2009). Adolescents may turn to anti-social means of dealing with strain because they, more so than adults, lack the ability and resources to remove themselves from situations where they are subjected to strain (Agnew 1985:156).…”

“…Agnew (1989) and more recent works suggest the benefits of utilizing a composite measure of strain as is done in the current analysis. Because as the level of strain an individual is subjected to increases, so does the likelihood that those strains will produce a negative emotional response (Froggio 2007;Froggio et al 2009). Due to the theoretically outlined additive effect of strainful events, a composite measure was created (Agnew 1992).…”

Self-efficacy, conventional cognitive coping, and the strain-delinquency relationship

“…The theoretical framework outlined by Agnew (1992Agnew ( , 2001Agnew ( , 2006 suggests cognitive coping abilities (as well as other coping adaptations) play a moderating role in the strain-delinquency relationship. That is, cognitive coping strategies could, in fact, prevent or at least minimize the need for crime (Konty 2005;Froggio, Zamaro, and Lori 2009). It is theorized individuals with higher cognitive coping abilities will be able to reinterpret objective strains in a manner that minimizes their importance.…”

“…Similarly, while there is a potential to develop conventional cognitive coping (an internal coping skill), the ability to engage in this coping method is variable. That is, each of the coping mechanisms outlined by GST are not equally available to all persons (Agnew 1992;Froggio et al 2009). Further, it is suggested adolescents may respond to strain with deviance and delinquency because they, more so than adults, lack the ability and resources to remove themselves from stressful situations likely to trigger negative emotion (Agnew 1985:156).…”