Assessing Strain-Crime Link: Testing General Strain Theory in Turkey

• In Event: Strain and Control Across Social Contexts

Abstract

The current study seeks to test general strain theory (GST) using data collected from 600 randomly selected Turkish households. This research specifically examines the relationship between the types of strain (objective and subjective), negative affect (anger), self-control, and individual level differences on past and projected criminal behavior. Studying crime/deviance in the Turkish cultural context provides an opportunity to test the generality claim of major criminological theories, such as GST. Turkey offers a unique locale where family environment, community structure, and religious traditions differ from the Western cultural context which allows for a unique cultural examination of GST. The findings regarding the extent of and whether types of strain, negative affect, and self-control influence misbehaviors are discussed.

Authors

• Abdullah Cihan, East Carolina University

• Kimberly A. Chism, University of Southern Mississippi