NCJ Number
238869
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2012 Pages: 212-220
Date Published
June 2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Drawing on the tenets of General Strain Theory (GST) as an explanation for deviant behavior, this study examines how specific forms of strain may lead to crime among foster youth.
Abstract
The basic tenet of GST is that criminal behavior is a maladaptive coping behavior that stems from adverse emotions generated by three main types of "strain:" the loss of positive stimulation, the experience of negative stimulation, or failure to obtain desired goals. The current study of criminal behavior among foster youth found that the "strains" of unemployment, school exclusion, the length of time in foster care, and the instability of placement were significant predictors for involvement in criminal activity among foster youth. The study also found, however, that the link between the "strain" experiences that often accompany foster care and criminal behavior may be weakened or mitigated by the gaining of self-esteem and life skills acquired before leaving foster care. These findings indicate the importance of services and programs for foster youth that offer them positive social interactions that build self-esteem and programs that develop life skills essential for independence and income-producing, fulfilling employment. The study obtained data from a national study of 261 post-care foster youth in England who were between the ages of 16 and 23. Data were analyzed using robust logistic regression and a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews. This enabled a simultaneous analysis of main and interaction effects of strains and conditioning variables on crime involvement among foster youth. Thematic analysis of interviews facilitated the exploration of themes for explaining the quantitative findings. 3 tables, 4 figures, and 64 references