The theory is supported indirectly by experimental and survey data indicating that delinquency is associated with a variety of aversive situations. The issue of causal direction is unresolved, however, as the experimental data are of questionable generalizability and the survey data primarily cross sectional in nature. In this study the relationship between environmental adversity and delinquency is examined using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of adolescent boys. A covariance structure model depicting a reciprocal relationship between adversity and delinquency is estimated by a distribution-free method (arbitrary generalized least squares). The revised strain theory is supported by the results that environmental adversity has a causal effect on delinquency. 32 references. (Author abstract modified)