Perceived injustice and delinquency: A test of general strain theory

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. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.