Question

Create a scenario that would fall under the strain theory. In the scenario, provide an explanation of each of the following: The loss of the major goal The presentation of the noxious stimuli The removal of the positively valued stimuli When you have these 3 inputs of strain in your scenario, address the following: How would the person in the scenario react with criminal behavior or behavior that would not be acceptable to society? Explain. How could cognitive restructuring be used to prevent the person from partaking in criminal behavior? Explain.

Answer 1

Consider a case of a young man by name Robert. He belongs to lower middle class family background. He has completed one year of community college, however his grades are very average and he dislikes to continue his academics work. So it is quite possible that he may not be able to complete his college education. As it stands now, his job prospects are limited. He cannot find suitable work, yet, he has no interest in furthering his education in any but a technical direction.

Thus, he is struggling with money. He is forced to continue to live with his parents, which hurts his status among his peers, causing him some embarrassment. He is certainly not autonomous, since money has become the overriding concern in his life. Making matters worse, his father has been pushed down to 75% time, from full time due to cutbacks and overseas outsourcing. So now even his family will have a tough time covering his bills in the meantime.

Now, this has affected his father terribly. Like many men, he feels that his cut hours mean he is no longer a good provider. His self esteem has slipped, even though the cutbacks are in no way his fault or attributable to his performance. His father is no longer himself, as he looks forward to what are rumoured to be more cuts in the future.