Kenny, Holly
(2021)
Examining the Impact that Mental Health Services, Youth Resources and
Facilities within the Education System and Communities of Low Socio-Economic Areas can have on Youth Delinquency and Anti-Social Behaviour.
Masters thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the impact that mental health services, youth resources and
facilities within the education system and communities of low socio-economic areas can have
on youth delinquency and anti-social behaviour. Areas that are considered low socio-economic
areas are often stigmatised and deemed to have an influx in crime rates compared to more
affluent areas (Masho et al., 2019). Crime rates and poverty may not be directly related, but
there is a correlation between lower class areas and criminal activity (Blau & Blau, 1982).
There can be many reasons as to why there may be higher crime rates within these areas,
however one that will be critically analysed throughout this paper is the role of youth resources
and mental health facilities as a deterrent to crime, as well as the availability of these within
disadvantaged areas of the community. A qualitative study was carried out by semi structured
interviews with ten participants who work directly with youth under the ages of eighteen, five
secondary school teachers and five scout leaders. The data collected was then analysed by using
the method of a thematic analysis to deduct several reoccurring themes. The method of data
collection chosen for this research was participant interviews which were chosen due to the
variety and richness of first-hand information that can be gathered by this method. Snowball
sampling was used to gather participants for this research. This method provided access to
participants who have had first-hand experiences with individuals under the age of eighteen.
These interviews allowed in-dept, personal experiences of working with youth to be collected,
which is beneficial to the area of research. The methods used within this research paper are an
overall strength to the study as this qualitative data is ideal for gathering personal opinions and
views on social topics such as juvenile offending and youth resources within lower
socioeconomic areas. Throughout many of the interviews the issues of lack of awareness of
mental health facilities as well as the importance of extracurricular activities and structure
arose. Many participants focused heavily on the mental health aspect of this research and
discussed the importance of intervention and positive mental wellbeing within schools as well
as outside of the educational system. It was concluded from this study that participants had a
strong opinion on the importance of youth clubs and extracurricular activities in regard to the
aid they provide in deterring youth from delinquency and antisocial behaviour within the
community. Participants, both scout leaders and teachers emphasised the importance of mental
health and how positive programmes and information on the topic of mental health awareness
could be implemented through the community as well as through youth resources. The
information gathered throughout this study could support recommendations to aid with mental wellbeing of young individuals and further aid with deterring youth from delinquent behaviour
and entering the criminal justice system, not solely within lower socio-economic areas.
| Item Type: |
Thesis
(Masters)
|
| Additional Information: |
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MA in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice. |
| Keywords: |
Examining; Impact; Mental Health Services; Youth Resources;
Facilities; Education System; Communities; Low Socio-Economic Areas; Youth Delinquency; Anti-Social Behaviour; Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Social Sciences > Law |
| Item ID: |
19051 |
| Depositing User: |
IR eTheses
|
| Date Deposited: |
15 Oct 2024 13:25 |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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