Theory Database (prototype)

Theory 20: General Theory of Deviant Behaviour

Number of Constructs: 9
Number of Triples: 11

Theory triples

• Negative membership group experiences influences Negative self-attitudes
• Negative self-attitudes negatively influences Motivation to comply
• Negative self-attitudes positively influences Motivation to deviate
• Self-esteem motive influences the 'Negative self-attitudes' to 'Motivation to comply' Negatively influences relationship
• Self-esteem motive influences the 'Negative self-attitudes' to 'Motivation to deviate' Positively influences relationship
• Motivation to comply influences Perceived availability of alternative deviant behaviour
• Motivation to deviate influences Perceived availability of alternative deviant behaviour
• Perceived availability of alternative deviant behaviour influences Motivated deviant behaviour
• Anticipation of positive consequences of deviant behaviour influences the 'Perceived availability of alternative deviant behaviour' to 'Motivated deviant behaviour' Influences relationship
• Self-enhancing consequences influences Negative self-attitudes
• Motivated deviant behaviour influences Self-enhancing consequences

Theory illustration

Theory References

• Kaplan, H.B. (1972). Toward a general theory of psychosocial deviance: the case of aggressive behaviour. Social Science & Medicine, 6, 593-617.
• Kaplan, H.B. (1982). Self-attitudes and deviant behaviour: New directions for theory and research. Youth Society, 14(2), 185-211.
• Kaplan, H.B., Martin, S.S. & Robbins, C. (1982). Application of a general theory of deviant behaviour: self-derogation and adolescent drug use. Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, 23(4), 274-294.