Law - Capstone I

Running head: Relationship between mental illness and violent crime 1

Relationship between mental illness and violent crime 2

Relationship between mental illness and violent crime

Ronald S. Dixon

Keiser University

MACJ-595

Dr. Rochelle Cobbs

July 29, 2018

Abstract

The numbers of violent crimes committed by mentally ill people has been on the rise since 1890s and these people have been admitted into correctional facilities or prisons. Due to this trend this research was conducted to find out if it is true and the reasons behind the trend. The trend also shows a big picture about criminal activities in people who have mental illness which is relative to the general population (Bonta, 1998).

Background and statement of the problem

The study was also done to find out whether there was any connection between mental illness and violent crime and give an explanation on why the number is on the rise in the recent years. Therefore, this means that this study will focus on doing an investigation on the rate of crime done by mentally ill people and the risk of committing violent crime among mentally ill people.

Primary research questions

1. Among mentally ill convicts, what is the rate of recidivism?

2. Is there a relationship between violent crime and mental illness?

3. Does being mentally ill increase the chances of one being a criminal? If yes how?

4. Why has the trend been on the rise?

Tools used in data collection

1. Questionnaires

2. Surveys

3. Records

4. Observations

Objectives of the study

The study was supposed to be a qualitative one that would find out whether there is a relationship existing between mentally illness and violent crime and try to come up with explanations why the rate has been on the rise and whether there is a risk of mentally ill people becoming criminals and how high that risk is. The study also looked at the risks that were involved in mentally ill people becoming criminals. It also looked at the recidivism among offenders who are mentally ill (Monahan, 1992). This was so as to come up with solutions to this phenomenon and come up with solutions that would lead to reduction of this number.

Importance of study

The importance of carrying out this research is to establish whether there is a relationship between mental illness and violent crime so as to be able to explain why the number is on the rise. And if there is a relationship then this would be important in coming up with solutions which will lead to the reduction of not only the number but also cases of violent crime in the country which will save the government a lot of money which is used in the conviction and admitting these people in correctional facilities (Fazel, 2009).

Topics of the literature to be reviewed

There are several topics which will be reviewed in the literature review of this research so as to give more information on the topic under study. This will be necessary because they are closely related topics which can shade some light on the issue. Some of these topics include?

1. Definition of mental illnesses

2. Recidivism among convicts who are mentally ill

3. Criminality in populations that are psychiatric

4. Risk of various mental illness to crime

5. Mental illness in criminal population.

Limitation of study

In this study there are some challenges that are expected to be faced and this includes limited data on the topic and other resources such as finances that will make the study a success.

Proposed methodology and data collection

The study will use qualitative research design where there will be secondary data collection method. Secondary data will be collected from already published books and journals on the topic while some primary data will be collected through interviewing officials in some prisons and mental centers and these facilities were randomly selected.

Data analysis and conclusion.

After collection of the data, it will then be analyzed and presented according to the research questions. It will be analyzed using the SPSS statistical software and presented in charts and graphs. The findings will be helpful in giving the relationship between mental illness and violent crime and the ways through which this can be handled.

References Bonta, J. L. (1998). The prediction of criminal and violent recidivism among mentally disordered offenders: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 123(2), 123-142. doi:org/10.1037/0033-2909.123.2.123 Fazel, S. G. (2009). Schizophrenia and violence: systematic review and meta-analysis. . Plos Medicine. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000120. Monahan, J. (1992). Mental disorder and violent behavior: Perceptions and evidence. Schug, R. A. & Fradell, H. F. (2018). Mental illness and crime. PDF, ePub eBook. American Psychologist,, 47(4), 511-521. Retrieved from http://eaststemcell.