Pressured Into Deception

Abstract

Determining the accuracy and predictors of self-reported drug use is important for researchers who examine drug-related issues and for criminal justice professionals so that they are better able to provide proper treatment referrals for those in the criminal justice system. However, self-reports, especially those of drug users, are not always accurate. The present study examines general strain theory and its utility in explaining intentional inaccuracies of self-reported drug use. This study uses data from the 2003 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring survey and the 2000 U.S. Census to examine self-reported drug use accuracy rates and predictors across four different drug types. Binomial conditional logistic regression models with fixed effects and robust standard errors are used. Findings show that experiencing strain may reduce the likelihood of accurately reporting drug use in a jail setting. The present study expands on recent literature on general strain theory to include purposeful deception as a possible deviant coping mechanism used in response to the strain an individual feels. Conclusions suggest that researchers might incorporate strain-related questions in surveys of potentially sensitive topics so as to better gauge the accuracy of self-reported information.