Embracing the Suck: Exploring Criminological Risk among Incarcerated Veterans

• In Event: Testing and Extending General Strain Theory

Abstract

Military veterans are a special population due to their unique lived experiences while in service, and research is increasingly focused on justice-involved veterans. In this qualitative study, interviews with 43 incarcerated veterans were used to explore strain and stressors utilizing Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory. By examining strain before, during, and after military service, this research sought to understand how strain existed in the lives of justice-involved veterans, and how those strains presented as criminogenic risks, ultimately leading to their current incarceration. Before service, these veterans experienced strife in their childhood homes. During service, they experienced strains related to military service, such as low pay, harsh supervision and discipline, and concerns about being in combat or failing to deploy and use their training. Many engaged in substance and alcohol abuse. After service, they experienced strains related to employment, family and marital strife, mental health, and substance use. The period after service is when most engaged in the criminal behavior that led to their incarceration, which included serious violent and sexual crimes and drug crimes. This study provides a voice to justice-involved veterans while examining their perspective on strains, coping, and how they feel their military experience has impacted their lives.

Authors

• Cristin M. Colston, University of Evansville

• Melissa J. Stacer, University of Southern Indiana