Strains, Negative Emotions, Propensity for Criminal Coping, and Delinquency: A Moderated Mediation Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT General strain theory (GST) maintains that the likelihood of individuals engaging in deviant behaviors as a coping mechanism for negative emotions is conditioned by one’s propensity for criminal coping. However, only a few previous studies, which suffered from limitations in measuring the propensity for criminal coping, have examined the conditioning proposition on this propensity within the framework of the GST. To address this research gap, using a nationally representative sample of South Korean adolescents, this study employs moderated-mediation analysis to examine the moderating role of the propensity of criminal coping in the link between negative emotions and delinquent behaviors from a GST perspective. First, exposure to strains directly/indirectly affects involvement in delinquent behavior. Also, results revealed that negative emotions (i.e. anger and depression) partially mediated the effect of strains on engagement in delinquency. In addition, the effect of anger and depression on engagement in delinquent behaviors is significantly moderated by adolescents’ propensity for criminal coping. Results reveal the significant role of the propensity for criminal coping in connecting negative emotions and delinquent behaviors. Based on findings, theoretical and practical implications were discussed.