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Crime & Delinquency, Vol. 53, No. 4, 523-551 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0011128706295991

Strain, Attribution, and Traffic Delinquency Among Young Drivers

Measuring and Testing General Strain Theory in the Context of Driving

Steven J. Ellwanger

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, ellwange{at}etsu.edu

This article enhances our knowledge of general strain theory (GST) by applying it to the context of traffic delinquency. It does so by first describing and confirming the development of a social–psychological measure allowing for a test of GST. Structural regression analysis is subsequently employed to test the theory within this context across a range of delinquent driving behaviors. Tests indicate that strain experienced while operating a motor vehicle consists of distinct contexts that when considered separately both enhance our understanding of GST and spell policy implications for state-directed interventions. Implications for future GST testing, measurement, and application are also discussed.

Key Words: general strain theory • traffic delinquency • attribution • road rage • young driver accidents

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This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
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Right arrow Email this article to a friend
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Right arrow Articles by Ellwanger, S. J.
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What's this?