General Strain Theory, Depression, and Substance Use: Results From a Nationally Representative, Longitudinal Sample of White, African-American, and Hispanic Adolescents and Young Adults

Based on the interpretations of Agnew's general strain theory (GST), White, African-American, and Hispanic adolescents and young adults were examined longitudinally to identify the intersection between strain and depression that could produce a long-term effect on substance use. Results from full sample and group-based path models indicate that some support was found for the general tenets of GST. African-Americans were significantly different from Whites and Hispanics in regard to experiencing certain types of strain; however, the results were not always in the anticipated direction. Possible theoretical reasons for the findings and directions for future research are discussed.