Asian American General Strain Theory

• In Event: Testing and Extending General Strain Theory

Abstract

Asian Americans experience distinct sociocultural stressors that contribute to strain-induced deviant outcomes, yet criminological theories have largely overlooked their lived experiences. This study extends Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) to examine how cultural assimilation pressures, discrimination, and generational conflict function as key stressors shaping delinquent and maladaptive behaviors among Asian Americans. Utilizing survey data, this research investigates the impact of these strains on negative emotions, particularly anger and depression, and their subsequent influence on both criminal and self-destructive behaviors. Additionally, this study tests the role of collectivism, a central cultural value among Asian Americans, in buffering the relationship between strain-induced negative emotions and deviant behaviors. Findings underscore the need to incorporate sociocultural dimensions into criminological frameworks to better understand the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities. By extending GST to Asian Americans, this research contributes to theoretical development and policy discussions on crime prevention, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive interventions that address culturally specific stressors and promote adaptive coping strategies.

Author

• Hyeseon Noh, University of South Carolina