NCJ Number
230686
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 130-147
Date Published
May 2010
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study used Agnew's general strain theory (GST) as the theoretical foundation for studying the effects of bullying on both externalizing and internalizing forms of deviance.
Abstract
Agnew's general strain theory (GST) has received significant empirical attention, but important issues remain unresolved. This study addresses three such issues. First, the authors examine the effects of bullyinga source of strain that may be consequential, but that has been neglected in GST research to date. Second, drawing from recent research on deliberate self-harm among adolescents, the authors examine the effects of bullying not just on externalizing deviance (aggressive acts committed against others and their property) but also on internalizing deviance directed against the self. Third, the authors examine these relationships separately for males and females to assess sex differences in responses to strain. These three issues are examined with self-report data collected from a sample of middle and high school students in a Southeastern State. The analysis reveals that bullying is consequential for both externalizing and internalizing forms of deviance and that these relationships are in some instances moderated by sex. Tables, notes, and references (Published Abstract)