An Analysis of Strain and Substance Use Among Youth

Abstract

General Strain Theory has been used to test relationships between delinquency and the various types of strains felt by individuals. Although this theory is relatively new, it has been empirically tested in many studies. The purpose of this study is to take the basic concepts of this theory and examine its effectiveness as an explanation for substance use. Different variables, representing various sources of strain, will be used to examine the explanatory power of this theory for this particular expansion of juvenile delinquency.