MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG JUVENILE DELINQUENTS: A STUDY OF BORSTAL JAILS IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Özet

The aim of present study was to estimate the occurrence of mental health problems and impact of delinquency on social life of juvenile's delinquents. This study also highlights the physical living condition and problems within the Boarstal jails of Pakistan and focused the main causes of mental health problems. Study used both explorative and descriptive methods to explain the mental health problems. Data was collected from 130 juvenile delinquents in two Boarstal jails of Punjab by using structured questionnaire and DASS scale. Results of the study showed pervasive prevalence of mental health problems among jail inmates. The prevalence of mental health problems was found different among different categories of the juvenile delinquents and those who were young and under trial were found experiencing more mental health problems as well as other associated factors impacts. Duration of imprisonment and family relationship had significant association with mental health problems. Majority of the respondents reported harsh relation with parents while others had good relation with parents after crime, and they became victim of mental health problems, so relationship of parents played important with participant's mental health. Moreover, the main cause of stress, anxiety and depression which were found due to confinement and lack of facilities in jail. This study suggested the juveniles detained in Borstal institution must have the facilities of education and training for their mental, moral and psychological development, it also need Community based rehabilitation services must be introduced for their better adjustment in society.