Adolescent reward sensitivity, social sensitivity, and an emergent neurobiological basis of General Strain Theory

Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) is one of the most influential theoretical explanations of individual-level variations in offending behaviour. However, the moderating and mediating processes linking perceptions of strain to offending behaviour are not well understood. While numerous conditioners have been tested, few have received consistent empirical support. This review article argues that by integrating the central tenets of GST with emerging research and theory on the cognitive processes involved in adolescent risk-taking, we may gain a better understanding of how individuals cognitively assess, emotionally respond, and behaviourally react to encountered criminogenic strains. The paper attempts to map the central GST propositions onto core neuropsychological processes, in particular sensitivity to rewards, sensitivity to social status, and cognitive control, towards a more comprehensive and developmentally informed understanding of individual responses to social and environmental strains.