Mental Health as a Predictor of the Probability of Recidivism among Indian Convicts

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19183850

Inderpreet Sandhu and Rosy Malhotra (Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab)

The present study evaluated the link between mental health and the probability of recidivism amongst Indian convicts. The sample consisted of 200 convicts from Tihar Prisons, New Delhi. The assessment of mental health and the probability of recidivism was done using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) and the Criminal Sentiments Scale-Modified (CSS-M). Scales were translated into Hindi using the backward-translation approach. Data analyses were done using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, which indicated a significant negative correlation between mental health and the probability of recidivism (r = -.40, p < .01). Furthermore, simple linear regression analysis indicated that mental health significantly predicted recidivism (β = -.40, p < .001), accounting for 16% of the variance. The results of the present research highlight that adverse mental health is strongly linked with an elevated risk of recidivism. Therefore, significant implications highlighted in the study are the rising importance of combining mental health initiatives within prison settings to increase rehabilitation and actively reduce recidivism.