Factors influencing involvement in crime among male adolescents aged 15-18: Research findings
- VernacularTitle:15–18 насны эрэгтэй хүүхдүүдийн гэмт хэрэгт холбогдоход нөлөөлөх хүчин зүйлсийг судалсан үр дүн
- Author:
Khaliunaa B
1
;
Agiimaa D
2
;
Khishigsuren Z
1
Author Information
1. Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, MNUMS
2. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, MNUMS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Post-traumatic stress disorder;
Alcoholism;
Violence;
Child protection;
Crime
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2026;96(6):205-210
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:In the context of Mongolia, identifying and establishing the causes and underlying factors associated with juvenile and adolescent involvement in crime carries substantial practical significance for the early detection of risk factors and the implementation of targeted preventive measures. In 2021, minors accounted for 20.7% of the total 1,053 cases subjected to forensic psychiatric evaluation at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Subsequently, minors constituted 20.4% (n=251) of cases in 2022, 19.6% (n=203) in 2023, 19.4% (n=225) in 2024, and 23.6% (n=318) in 2025. Notably, the proportion observed in 2025 represents a 4.2 percentage point increase compared to the preceding year. Nevertheless, comprehensive empirical data regarding the underlying causes, surrounding conditions, and specific offense types associated with juvenile criminal involvement remain insufficient, thereby establishing the primary rationale for conducting this study.
Aim:To investigate the underlying causes, contributing risk factors, and mental health status of juvenile offenders involved in criminal activities.
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study design was utilized, enrolling a total sample of 105 male adolescents aged 15–18 years. This sample comprised 35 residents from a Specialized Training and Educational Institution (juvenile correctional facility) and 70 control students from general secondary schools. Primary data collection was conducted using the Child PTSD Symptom Scale for DSM-5 Self-Report (CPSS-5-SR), the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Kidcope / Family Life Scale (KFLS), and a specially designed structured questionnaire.
Result:The overall mean age of participants was 16.69±0.87 years. Among the institutionalized juvenile offenders, 45.7% had a history of prior criminal involvement; specifically, 45.7% had committed rape and 17.1% had committed theft. Regarding substance use behaviors, 82.9% of the juvenile offenders reported smoking tobacco, 71.4% consumed alcohol, and 20.0% had experimented with other illicit or controlled substances, all of which were markedly higher than the rates observed among general secondary school students. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that adolescent tobacco use, alcohol consumption, paternal alcoholism, and domestic family conflict exerted statistically significant effects on criminal involvement. Furthermore, screen-positive cases for probable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were identified in 40.0% of the institutionalized juvenile offenders, compared to 27.5% among the general secondary school students.
Conclusion:The prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use, alongside adverse family environment influences, is significantly higher among residents of the Specialized Training and Educational Institution compared to general secondary school students. Because juvenile criminal involvement is directly associated with the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, there is an urgent imperative to integrate targeted mental health care services into rehabilitation and protection efforts.
- Full text:202609270054525471036_15-18 насны эрэгтэй хүүхдүүдийн гэмт хэрэгт холбогдоход нөлөөлөх хүчин зүйлсийг.pdf
