The link between social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and delinquency

Abstract

Delinquent acts among youths often overlay with mental disorders. Both of the aforementioned main areas appear to have a strong relation to the social conditions in the communities and schools that youths attend. Individuals having Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties tend to find major issues in handling their emotions which often marginalises them from others.

This research study discusses how Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties effect the individual’s actions. The main aim of the research is to find if there is in fact a link between SEBD and delinquency. For this reason, the research question is as follows: In what way or ways is delinquency being affected by youths who have SEBD and what might be the cause of such difficulties?

This research question is answered by using semi-structured interviews that were conducted with professionals in the field. The data gathered was analysed and compared with pre-existing data and in the end result it was evident that there is in fact a link between SEBD and delinquency.

On this basis, it is recommended that although knowledge on SEBD is growing, awareness is still very limited and such individuals are not being understood properly and provided with the appropriate support services. Interventions for individuals having SEBD need to be addressed from the root cause as short term support would not make a difference in the long run. Therefore individuals who have SEBD need to be viewed not as delinquents but as members of society who are in need of our help.