Mental Health Assessment of South Korean Adults on Probation

OBJECTIVE: The association of offender mental illness (including those on probation) with crime has long been the subject of social interest; however, systematic management has been insufficient. The study purpose was to analyze mental illness prevalence, proportion of first offenses and recidivism with the mental illness of those on probation. METHODS: A total of 206 adults on probation were divided into groups (first offenders and repeat offenders) and they completed self-report instruments and clinical interviews designed to diagnose mental illness. RESULTS: The mental illness prevalence among those on probation was considerably higher than that of the general population, and having mental illness was related to re-sentencing probation or recidivism. In particular, alcohol use disorder, major depressive episode, manic/hypomanic episode, and antisocial personality disorder were shown to affect recidivism. CONCLUSION: To achieve the ultimate purpose of probation, social and systematic intervention on a mental health and medical basis may be required.