The Journal of Iranian Health System Law

The Journal of Iranian Health System Law

The Role of Healthy Social Bonds in Enhancing Mental Health and Reducing the Tendency Toward Delinquency

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD Student, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. (Corresponding Author)
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.
Abstract
Normative social interactions, as one of the main pillars of social capital, play a crucial role in ensuring and enhancing mental health and can be considered an effective tool for social prevention of delinquency. These interactions create a sense of social belonging, strengthen human bonds, and increase mutual trust and cooperation, thereby providing a foundation for reducing psychological and social harms. This study, conducted using a descriptive-analytical method based on library research, aims to examine the link between healthy social interactions and the reduction of tendencies toward delinquent behaviors by utilizing social and psychological theories. Findings indicate that cohesive and supportive social relationships not only help reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness but also directly prevent deviant and delinquent behaviors by strengthening internal behavioral control mechanisms and enhancing collective identity. This research also emphasizes that social control and differential association. Theories effectively explain the significance of the social environment and human relationships in the formation or prevention of delinquent behaviors. Consequently, designing and implementing social and criminal policies aimed at strengthening healthy social interactions, supporting families, teaching communication skills, and promoting civic engagement can be an effective step in enhancing mental health and reducing social crimes. These findings highlight the necessity of considering social capital as a key tool in social prevention policymaking against delinquency.
Keywords

Volume 1, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 75-82

  • Receive Date 04 January 2025
  • Revise Date 15 April 2024
  • Accept Date 11 May 2024