Disasters--An Objective and/or Subjective Strain? A Qualitative Investigation

• In Event: New frontiers in Strain Theory

Abstract

This paper explores the types of strains and strain responses individuals experienced during the 2010-11 Brisbane floodings and the COVID-19 pandemic, through a thematic analysis of 67 semi-structured interviews, by utilising Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) – a criminological theory used to explain individual-level offending behaviors as a response to strains and negative emotions faced to overcome these negative experiences. This paper seeks to understand the root cause of potential maladaptive behaviors by tracing back to the beginnings of (1) what constitutes as strain during disasters? and (2) what are the responses to strains during disasters? The broad principles and criteria of Agnew’s GST make this theory relatable, suitable, and adaptable enough to be applied to these disaster contexts involving disruptions and upheavals. Theoretically and empirically, disasters are often construed as one large objective strain – a traumatic event for an individual. Preliminary findings help narrow this gap of how individuals subjectively experience strains during disasters, allowing for a greater appreciation of subjective strains that occur on an individual level during disasters and informing the type of support that could be provided for such strains.

Author

• Suaditya C Mohan, The University of Queensland