General Strain and Situational Action Theory: The Mediation Effect of Victim in The Victim-Offender Overlap

• In Event: Consequences of Victimization: Vicarious Trauma and the Victim-Offender Overlap

Abstract

Objectives: The present study applies situational action theory (SAT) and general strain theory (GST) to the victim-offender overlap. In particular, we examine the role of victimization as a mediator in the relationship between theoretical components of SAT and outcomes of self-reported violent offending

Methods: The initial wave of data from the Pathways to Desistance Study (PTD) is used (N = 1,316), and path models are constructed to investigate the mediating role of victimization in the relationship between tenants of SAT and violent offending.

Results: Theoretical components of SAT were found to have an inverse relationship with violent offending. This relationship was significantly mediated by experiences of violent victimization.

Conclusion: Findings in the present study add to the knowledge on the complex relationship between victimization and offending. These findings also suggest the possibility of proactive intervention in the process from victimization to offending. Bolstering community violence intervention programs would be advantageous for public safety and cost efficiency.

Authors

• Jacob DeWitt, Bowling Green State University

• Alexis Galvin, Bowling Green State University