Why are people with mental disorders overrepresented in the prison population?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

People with mental disorders may be drawn to environments that promote antisocial behavior due to prodromal symptoms of their illness, which can include impulsivity, aggression, and poor decision making. This can lead to involvement with the criminal justice system. Additionally, mental health issues can make it harder for individuals to conform to societal norms, leading to behavior that is criminalized. Lack of access to mental health treatment and social support can also contribute to criminal behavior. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Option B is not the best choice, as lack of effective counsel may be a contributing factor for some individuals, but cannot explain the overall overrepresentation of people with mental disorders in the prison population.

Option C is not the best choice, as the vast majority of individuals with mental disorders are not violent and do not engage in criminal behavior.

Option D is not the best choice, as societal stigmas may contribute to the criminalization of certain behaviors associated with mental disorders, but again, cannot explain the overall overrepresentation of people with mental disorders in the prison population.

Why Are People with Mental Disorders Overrepresented in the Prison