Well-being and recidivism in adolescent delinquents with psychiatric disorders: Does living a good life result in a reduction of recidivism rates?

Research in young delinquents, who exhibit persistent antisocial behaviour, has consistently revealed relatively high prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders (between 50% and 90%). Research and rehabilitation efforts have focused mainly on this population's criminogenic risk factors that are directly related to re-offending/recidivism, while other more general (non-criminogenic) needs (e.g., school or living situation) to increase well-being, have mostly been neglected. A recent theoretical framework, the Good Lives Model of offender rehabilitation (GLM), suggests that enhancing young delinquent’s capabilities in order to meet all their relevant human needs (in addition to only targeting criminogenic risk factors) could improve their well-being and (subsequently/simultaneously) reduce recidivism rates. Although promising, clear evidence for the underlying assumptions of the GLM is lacking. Consequently, our study aims to gain insight into associations between human needs of the GLM, overall well-being and delinquency/recidivism in the general adolescent population and in a group considered to especially benefit from improvements in well-being: adolescent delinquents with psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we will evaluate which available interventions for this population are best able to meet their relevant needs, improve overall well-being and reduce recidivism rates.