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Investigating the Role of Normal Social Interactions in Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Tendencies toward Criminal Behavior
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Faezeh Salahi Abadi *    |
| Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran. |
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Abstract: (20 Views) |
Background and Aim: Normative social interactions, as one of the main pillars of social capital, play a crucial role in ensuring and enhancing mental health and can be considered an effective tool for social prevention of delinquency. These interactions create a sense of social belonging, strengthen human bonds and increase mutual trust and cooperation, thereby providing a foundation for reducing psychological and social harms. This study, conducted using a descriptive-analytical method based on library research, aims to examine the link between healthy social interactions and the reduction of tendencies toward delinquent behaviors by utilizing social and psychological theories. Findings indicate that cohesive and supportive social relationships not only help reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness but also directly prevent deviant and delinquent behaviors by strengthening internal behavioral control mechanisms and enhancing collective identity. This research also emphasizes that social control and differential association theories effectively explain the significance of the social environment and human relationships in the formation or prevention of delinquent behaviors. Consequently, designing and implementing social and criminal policies aimed at strengthening healthy social interactions, supporting families, teaching communication skills and promoting civic engagement can be an effective step in enhancing mental health and reducing social crimes. These findings highlight the necessity of considering social capital as a key tool in social prevention policymaking against delinquency.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytical approach grounded in library research to examine the relationship between healthy social interactions and the reduction of tendencies toward delinquent behaviors using social and psychological theories.
Ethical Considerations: In library-based studies, due to the absence of direct contact with individuals, ethical considerations primarily pertain to respecting the material and intellectual rights of sources, ensuring precise fidelity in paraphrasing and accurate citation of references. It is essential to uphold principles of scientific honesty, impartiality in analysis and reporting and respect for the intellectual property of works. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to be aware of their personal and cultural biases to prevent any negative influence on conclusions. In cases where human data or related field studies are involved, principles such as maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent and respecting individuals' rights become necessary.
Results: The findings show that cohesive and supportive social relationships reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness and directly prevent deviant and delinquent behaviors by strengthening internal behavioral control and enhancing collective identity. Additionally, social control and differential association theories effectively explain the importance of the social environment and human relationships in the formation or prevention of delinquent behaviors.
Conclusion: Strengthening healthy social interactions, supporting families, teaching communication skills and promoting civic engagement are vital social and criminal policy measures to enhance mental health and reduce social crimes. Social capital should be considered a key tool for social prevention policymaking against delinquency. |
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| Keywords: Social Interaction, Mental Health, Crime Prevention, Social Capital, Delinquency |
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Full-Text [PDF 401 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Received: 2024/11/19 | Accepted: 2025/02/8 | Published: 2025/03/10
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