The Role of Childhood Mental Health in Tracing the Origins of Adolescent Criminal Psychology and Optimization of Community Intervention Models
Jiayi Li, Zhengyan LuoAbstract
Objective
This study aims to investigate the mechanism through which childhood mental health influences the development of adolescent criminal psychology, and to propose an optimized community-based intervention model. The research seeks to identify key protective and risk factors in early mental health that contribute to later behavioral outcomes.
Subjects and Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining retrospective analysis and prospective cohort study. The research included 300 adolescents (aged 13-17) with documented criminal behavior and a matched control group of 300 non-offending adolescents. Data collection involved standardized psychological assessments (including CBCL, SDQ, and resilience scales), semi-structured interviews, and analysis of childhood mental health records. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the pathways from childhood mental health to adolescent criminal behavior.
Results
Childhood mental health problems significantly predicted adolescent criminal behavior (OR = 3.45, 95% CI [2.78, 4.28]), with emotional regulation difficulties and peer relationship problems being the strongest mediators. The proposed community intervention model, incorporating early screening, family support, and school-based mental health programs, demonstrated a 42% reduction in criminal behavior incidence in the experimental group compared to controls. The model showed particular effectiveness when interventions were implemented before age 12.
Conclusions
Childhood mental health serves as a crucial foundation for adolescent psychological development and behavioral outcomes. Community-based early intervention significantly mitigates the risk of criminal behavior. The optimized intervention model provides an effective framework for preventing adolescent crime through mental health promotion, emphasizing the importance of timely, integrated approaches in community settings.
Acknowledgement
Philosophy and Social Sciences Research in Jiangsu Universities, General Program (ID: 2025SJYB0563).
Corresponding Author
Jiayi Li, School of Public Administration, Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing, 210036, China.