Application of General Strain Theory to the Ultimate Health Outcome – Death

• In Event: Roundtable: Theory

Abstract

Persistently “healthy & unhealthy places” in the U.S., as defined by mortality rates, cluster geographically by county across more than 35 years. Whereas high mortality clusters are found in the Delta, Appalachia and the Black Belt, persistently low mortality clusters are located in the upper Great Plains. These geographical patterns of all-causes-of-mortality cannot be sufficiently explained by demographic or structural characteristics such as average level of education, percent poverty, percent minority, number of physicians, or distance to healthcare. Especially problematic are explanations for healthy clusters. While some studies have applied general strain theory to examine how poor health (strain) leads to criminal outcomes, this study explains how criminal behaviors within communities affect health. Specifically, we assess how crime rates serve as a proxy for strain experienced in the community and hypothesize that strain is highly correlated with both unhealthy and healthy places.

Authors

• Ronald E. Cossman, Mississippi State University

• Shelley Keith, Mississippi State University

• Wesley James, University of Memphis