Investigating The Interplay Between Criminal Propensity, Spiritual Health, And Substance Use Among Larceny Offenders In Central Jails In India

Abstract

Larceny, taking other persons property without their consent, is a crime categorised under 378 and 379 under Indian Penal Code (IPC). There are several factors behind larceny offence, but criminal propensity is a major contributing factor. This study explores the interplay between criminal propensity, spiritual health, and substance use among larceny offenders in central jails in India. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the study examines these variables through a structured questionnaire administered to 231 prisoners. The analysis reveals a near-even distribution of substance and alcohol use among participants, with 48.5% reporting use and 51.5% abstaining. Criminal propensity is notably high, with 69.3% classified as having "Above Average" tendencies, indicating a need for targeted criminal justice interventions. Spiritual health varies significantly, with 45.0% reporting "Very Low" and 20.8% "Very High" levels. The study finds no significant differences in criminal propensity or spiritual health between substance/alcohol users and non-users. However, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.395, p < 0.01) between criminal propensity and spiritual health suggests that higher spiritual health is associated with lower criminal propensity. Regression analysis supports this relationship, showing that spiritual health explains 15.6% of the variance in criminal propensity. These findings highlight the importance of integrating spiritual health into interventions aimed at reducing criminal behavior and improving overall well-being among prisoners.