'''Strain theory''' may refer to:

*Baeyer strain theory, an explanation of relative stabilities of cyclic molecules *Strain theory (sociology), the theory that social structures may pressure citizens to commit crime *Value-added theory, the assumption that certain conditions are needed for the development of a social movement

==See also== * General strain theory, a theory of criminology developed by Robert Agnew * Role strain, a concept in role theory in sociology

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