Mental Health of Criminals and Their Coping Behaviors: Socio-Environmental Influences and Pathways to Rehabilitation

Praachi Sharma

mental health, criminal behavior, coping mechanisms, socio-environmental factors, rehabilitation, recidivism

The intersection of mental health and criminal behavior presents a complex and multidimensional challenge for psychology, criminology, and public policy. This study examines the prevalence of mental health disorders among criminal populations, their socio-environmental determinants, and the coping mechanisms adopted by offenders to deal with stress, guilt, and societal rejection. Drawing on strain theory, social learning theory, and psychodynamic approaches, it explores how factors such as poverty, unemployment, childhood trauma, and cultural context influence both mental health outcomes and behavioral responses. Using a mixed-methods design, data will be gathered through psychological assessments, structured surveys, in-depth interviews, and case studies with incarcerated individuals. Quantitative tools, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, will identify the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and coping styles. Qualitative thematic analysis will capture the lived experiences of offenders and their perceptions of mental health challenges. Anticipated findings include a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and maladaptive coping behaviors such as substance abuse and aggression. The study aims to recommend rehabilitation strategies, including skill-building programs, trauma-informed care, and mental health interventions, to reduce recidivism and promote social reintegration. By bridging psychological theory with empirical insights, this research seeks to inform policy reforms and correctional practices that address the underlying mental health needs of offenders.

Volume 13 Issue 9, September-2025

Pages : a511-a520