Mental Health and Criminological Profile of Juvenile Recidivists: An Indigenous Exploration of Juvenile Recidivism in Punjab Prisons

Abstract

One of the significant goals of criminology is to identify the difference between offenders who re-offend and those who do not and related risk factors for re-offending. In this context, it was hypothesised that there would likely to be an association in criminological and mental health profiles of recidivist and non-recidivist juvenile offenders incarcerated in Punjab Prisons. The sample comprised of recidivist (n = 158) and non-recidivist (n = 321) juvenile offenders incarcerated in different Prisons and Borstal Institutes of Punjab, Pakistan. A literature-based demographic sheet was developed to collect data. Findings showed that type of crime and gang affiliation were significantly associated with recidivism (offend, re-offend). Recidivist juvenile offenders started their criminal career significantly earlier, had more average number of charges/cases, and spent more time in custody than non-recidivist juvenile offenders. Moreover, history of the psychological issues, occasional/chronic use of drugs, history of self-harm, aggressive tendencies, and gambling addiction were significantly associated with recidivism (offend, re-offend) in juvenile offenders. The study provided the basis for the researchers and policymakers to devise and suggest a need-based corrective plan for juvenile recidivists to reduce re-offending. Moreover, this study provided baseline data for future researchers to plan further studies with this subgroup (recidivists).