Sex Differences in Victimization, Strain, and Violent Behavior by Juveniles.

The delinquency literature suggests the existence of a relationship between the experience of childhood victimization and delinquent behavior. Research has examined this connection with regard to violent behavior by juveniles. Agnew's (1992, 2005) revised general strain theory may shed light on the mechanisms that mediate between the experience of victimization and participation by juveniles in violent behavior. In this light, it is important to examine how girls and boys may differentially respond to the strain caused by victimization, thus helping to account for the substantial differences in participation in violence by male as opposed to female juveniles. Using data supplied by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission for the years 1999-2003, this study develops and tests a model of the relationship between victimization, strain, and violent behavior by male and female juveniles. Preliminary findings suggest that differential responses to the strain created by victimization may help account for sex differences in reported violent behavior by male and female juveniles. Implications of the findings are discussed, along with suggestions for additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]