Speakers
Workshop Session
Recidivism among juveniles, although copious interventions and rehabilitative programs implemented, has become a growing concern. Therefore, this research explores the intersection of moral psychology and juvenile recidivism. This study aims to understand the role of moral psychology, the study of morality’s influence on individual’s cognition, decision-making, and behavior, in the desistance process and its potential to minimize recidivism among juveniles in Malaysia. A study on youths aged 14 to 21 from multifarious levels of risk of offending was conducted to provide a comprehensive view on the issue. It reflects a distinctive relationship between key components in moral psychology; moral reasoning, moral emotion, and moral engagement; that provide significant influence on the capabilities and likelihood of desistance. The findings suggest that incorporating moral psychology into intervention strategies – from incorporating cognitive-behavioral approaches, reinforcing structured social learning components, addressing complex psychological needs and adverse experiences, providing opportunities and incentives, to monitoring and evaluating intervention effectiveness – significantly reduce the likelihood of offending. The study further reveals that understanding the moral psychological processes of juveniles can aid in the development of more effective intervention programs. This research contributes to the existing literature on juvenile justice by highlighting the importance of moral psychology in addressing recidivism. It provides a practical implication, suggesting for shifting in focus towards moral psychological aspects in designing intervention for juveniles. In conclusion, this study accentuates the need for further research to refine these intervention strategies and to explore other psychological factors that may influence desistance and recidivism among juveniles.