What phenomenon does general strain theory specifically link to delinquent behavior?

General strain theory, developed by Robert Agnew, posits that strain or stress experienced by individuals can lead to negative emotions, such as frustration, anger, or disappointment, which in turn can contribute to delinquent behavior. The theory particularly emphasizes how strain caused by social structures, such as economic exclusion, disrupts an individual’s ability to achieve socially accepted goals.

Economic exclusion can create a significant level of frustration as individuals find themselves unable to access opportunities. This economic strain may result from unemployment, poverty, or lack of resources, influencing youth to engage in delinquency as a way to cope with or counteract these feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. By linking these emotional responses to delinquent actions, the theory highlights how systemic issues can lead to individual choices that manifest in problematic behavior.

In contrast, while social isolation, parental neglect, and public policy changes may influence delinquent behavior in various contexts, they do not directly encapsulate the essence of general strain theory as a framework that centers specifically on the role of frustration associated with economic exclusion.