The cognitive processes of incarcerated youth: How does the criminal justice system change the strain coping strategies?

The Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement (Anti-ELAB) in Hong Kong has drawn scholarly interest due to the active involvement of young people. However, research on the cognitive processes of Hong Kong youth before, during and after the protests has been limited. This study addressed this gap by conducting 59 semi-structured interviews with incarcerated youth aged 18–30 who had engaged in Anti-ELAB activities. Through the lens of general strain theory and rational choice theory, the study uncovered that dissatisfaction with authorities and social conditions led protesters to resort to violent and radical tactics. The research highlighted a shift in coping strategies among the youth post-apprehension within the criminal justice system, influenced by heightened awareness of legal consequences and perceived ineffectiveness of protest actions. While general strain theory primarily guided the study, the insights also aligned with rational choice theory, emphasising the impact of anticipated benefits versus societal norms on criminal decisions. The study demonstrated that the recalibration of cost-effectiveness analyses following apprehension altered how individuals adapted to strain. Despite general strain theory being the primary theoretical framework, the study underscored the value of incorporating rational choice theory to elucidate changes in coping strategies post-apprehension. The findings supported the notion that various strains contribute to deviant behaviours, with coping strategies evolving in response to legal repercussions and the perceived effectiveness of actions within the criminal justice system. © The Author(s) 2025.