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General Strain Theory Paper

1702 Words7 Pages

This paper explores the criminal behavior of Ted Bundy through the lens of General Strain Theory and Routine Activities Theory. By analyzing Bundy's background and modus operandi, it elucidates how environmental factors, personal motivations, and coping mechanisms intersect to drive his heinous acts. The findings underscore the significance of criminological theories in understanding complex cases of serial murder and highlight the importance of addressing both individual and situational factors in crime prevention efforts. In the annals of criminal history, few names evoke as much intrigue, revulsion, and morbid fascination as that of Ted Bundy. With his charming demeanor and handsome appearance, Bundy defied the stereotypical image of a serial killer, masking his sinister intentions behind a façade of normalcy. Yet, beneath this veneer …show more content…

The core components of General Strain Theory include the experience of strain, the resulting negative emotions, and the coping mechanisms individuals employ to address these emotions. Stress represents the various challenges and obstacles individuals face in their lives, while negative emotions serve as the psychological responses to these stressors. Coping mechanisms encompass the strategies individuals use to cope with or alleviate their negative emotions, with criminal behavior being one potential response. In applying General Strain Theory to Ted Bundy's crimes, we can delve into his background and psychological profile to understand how the experience of strain may have influenced his descent into serial murder. Bundy's early life was marked by a series of challenges and disruptions, including the revelation that his grandparents, whom he believed to be his parents, were, in fact, his biological parents, while his mother was portrayed as his

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