Mental Health Assessment of South Korean Adults on Probation.
- Author:
Soungwan KIM
1
;
Bongseog KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Recidivism; Mental disorder; Offenders; South Korea; Probation
- MeSH: Adult*; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Crime; Criminals; Depressive Disorder, Major; Humans; Mental Disorders; Mental Health*; Prevalence
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2017;14(6):719-726
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The association of offender mental illness (including those on probation) with crime has long been the subject of social interest; however, systematic management has been insufficient. The study purpose was to analyze mental illness prevalence, proportion of first offenses and recidivism with the mental illness of those on probation. METHODS: A total of 206 adults on probation were divided into groups (first offenders and repeat offenders) and they completed self-report instruments and clinical interviews designed to diagnose mental illness. RESULTS: The mental illness prevalence among those on probation was considerably higher than that of the general population, and having mental illness was related to re-sentencing probation or recidivism. In particular, alcohol use disorder, major depressive episode, manic/hypomanic episode, and antisocial personality disorder were shown to affect recidivism. CONCLUSION: To achieve the ultimate purpose of probation, social and systematic intervention on a mental health and medical basis may be required.
