Date of Graduation
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair
Lisa M Dilks
Committee Co-Chair
Jason Manning
Committee Member
Chris Scheitle
Abstract
Agnew's General Strain Theory proposes that strain leads to negative emotions, which in turn lead to crime and delinquency. However, there has been a lack of research on what happens when the negative emotions that result from externally experienced strains lead to responses other than crime. The psychology literature on "feeling bad, doing good" indicates that internally experienced negative emotions can lead to helping behaviors. The purpose of this research is to examine if externally generated negative emotions can also lead to helping or prosocial behaviors. Particular attention is given to the type of negative emotion that is experienced -- anger/frustration vs. depression/anxiety - when an individual is exposed to strainful situations. It is proposed that individuals might participate in prosocial behaviors when exposed to strain if they experience depression or anxiety rather than anger or frustration.
Recommended Citation
Slusser, Mallory, "A Strain Theory of Prosocial Behavior" (2017). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 6658.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/6658