RT Article
T1 Comfortably Numb? Revisiting and Re-Specifying the Relationship Between Health Strain and Substance Use
JF Crime & delinquency
VO 66
IS 13/14
SP 1937
OP 1959
A1 Lowe, C. Cory
A1 Stogner, John
A1 Miller, Bryan Lee
LA English
YR 2020
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1738311066
AB Studies have found a positive linear relationship between health strain and substance use; however, they often omit potential confounders such as self-control, social bonds, and peer use. Furthermore, there are several reasons to believe the relationship is curvilinear according to Agnew’s general strain theory. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we examine whether the linear relationship persists after including confounders and we test the hypothesized curvilinear relationship. Results provide little support for the linear relationship; however, the hypothesized curvilinear relationship is supported in multiple alcohol and marijuana use models. In addition, there is little evidence that health strain is mediated by depressive symptoms. Policy implications, limitations, and directions for research are discussed.
K1 Health strain
K1 General strain theory
K1 Alcohol
K1 Marijuana
K1 Cocaine
K1 Substance use
DO 10.1177/0011128720918197