The link between mental health issues and crime differs according to gender

Mental health issues and youth crime are often discussed as two growing social problems. At the same time, trends vary across different groups of young people. According to Persson, a more nuanced understanding of how mental health issues and crime are linked is therefore needed.

“There is no single explanation for the link between mental health issues and youth crime. It varies depending on the type of mental health issue involved, and the links can also differ between girls and boys. Furthermore, they are influenced by other risk and environmental factors,” says Persson.

In her thesis she has investigated how different forms of mental health problems are linked to criminal behaviour during adolescence. One clear finding is that so-called externalising problems – such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and behavioural problems – are more often associated with crime. This mainly concerns less serious offences, such as theft and criminal damage. As these problems increase or decrease over time, the level of criminal involvement also tends to change in the same direction.

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