From Victimization to Criminalization: General Strain Theory and the Relationship Between Poly-victimization and Delinquency |
| |
| Authors: | Jo-Anne Wemmers Katie Cyr Claire Chamberland Geneviève Lessard Delphine Collin-Vézina Marie-Eve Clément |
| |
| Institution: | 1. International Centre for Comparative Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;2. Continuing Education, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;3. School of Social Work, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;4. School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;5. Department of Psycho-education and Psychology, Université de Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada |
| |
| Abstract: | Although it is well established that victimization and delinquency are related, it is not clear how this relationship works, and victims and offenders are still often studied and treated as two distinct groups. General strain theory views victimization as a form of injustice, which can give rise to anger and eventually lead to delinquency. The authors examine victimization, in particular polyvictimization, as a criminogenic factor. Based on a sample of 1,400 youths 12–17 years old in Quebec (Canada), they examine polyvictimization in relation to delinquency as well as negative emotions that can result from victimization namely anger, depression, and posttraumatic stress. The findings show support for general strain theory and highlight the importance of anger for the relationship between victimization and juvenile delinquency. |
| |
| Keywords: | Anger general strain theory juvenile delinquency polyvictimization victimization |
|
|
