Strain and Adolescent Delinquency From a Life-Course Perspective: Evidence From South Korea

Abstract

Although General Strain Theory (GST) has been widely used to explain delinquent behavior, few studies have examined whether the sources and effects of strain differ across developmental stages. Drawing on GST, this study investigates developmental differences in how various stressors influence delinquent behavior using two waves of nationally representative panel data from South Korea. Regression and decomposition analyses compare adolescence and early adulthood to assess changes in strain exposure and effects. Results show that adolescents experience significantly higher levels of stress and delinquency than in early adulthood. Parental, financial, and appearance stress significantly predict delinquency during adolescence but lose their effects later, with only peer stress remaining significant in early adulthood. Anger and low self-esteem consistently predict delinquency across both stages, suggesting that emotional vulnerability persists over time. Decomposition results indicate that most developmental declines in delinquency stem from changes in the effects of strain rather than reductions in strain exposure. These findings highlight that the types and impacts of strain evolve with age.