Abstract
Numerous studies have documented a relationship between criminal offending and violent victimization. That is, people who
commit criminal behavior are also more likely to be victimized. As such, criminological theories traditionally used to explain
criminal behavior have now been applied to explain victimization. The current study examines whether Agnew’s general strain
theory can explain the offender-victim overlap using a nationally representative sample of males. Results show that vicarious
strain is positive and significant in predicting both victimization and perpetration. Anticipated strain was found only to
be significant and positive in predicting victimization, but not perpetration. The study’s limitations and future research
are discussed.
commit criminal behavior are also more likely to be victimized. As such, criminological theories traditionally used to explain
criminal behavior have now been applied to explain victimization. The current study examines whether Agnew’s general strain
theory can explain the offender-victim overlap using a nationally representative sample of males. Results show that vicarious
strain is positive and significant in predicting both victimization and perpetration. Anticipated strain was found only to
be significant and positive in predicting victimization, but not perpetration. The study’s limitations and future research
are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-22
- DOI 10.1007/s12103-012-9163-5
- Authors
- Egbert Zavala, Criminal Justice Program, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Ryan E. Spohn, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68182, USA
- Journal American Journal of Criminal Justice
- Online ISSN 1936-1351
- Print ISSN 1066-2316