27th Annual Student Research Conference
The Effect of Strain on Drug Use
Kelsie Howle
Dr. Anton Daughters, Faculty Mentor
Robert Agnews General Strain Theory, which explains strain and the resulting negative affective states as the cause of criminal and deviant behavior, can be used to explain the prevalence of illicit drug use. Three studies measure the effects of different types of strain on the likelihood of drug use; these types include neighborhood disadvantage, victimization, and negative social interactions. All studies showed a positive correlation between strain and drug use, and a need to expand access to legitimate coping resources in high strain populations in order to reduce the use of illegal substances.
Keywords: Strain Theory, Crime, Drug Use, Victimization, Criminology, Neighborhood Disadvantage
Topic(s):Justice Systems
Sociology
Disability and the Arts
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 11-1
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 3:30