Environment and Social Psychology

Examining factors contributing to criminal behavior: A literature review and case report of a Malaysian ex-convict

Sasireakha Murugan

Faculty of Social Sciences, Raffles University, G-05, Medini 7, Jalan Medini Sentral 5, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Shubashini Mathialagan

Faculty of Social Sciences, Raffles University, G-05, Medini 7, Jalan Medini Sentral 5, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Amos En Zhe Lian

Faculty of Social Sciences, Raffles University, G-05, Medini 7, Jalan Medini Sentral 5, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Kepha Institute, Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, United States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i3.3526

Keywords: case report; forensic psychology; ex-criminal; Malaysia

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Abstract

Background of the study: To enhance crime prevention strategies and advance forensic psychology research in Malaysia, it is crucial to investigate the multifaceted factors contributing to criminal behaviour. Durrant's Level of Analysis and Explanation of Crime provides a robust framework for this purpose, categorizing these factors into six distinct perspectives: evolutionary, sociological, genetic, developmental, psychological, and situational. However, despite the alarmingly high crime rate in Malaysia, forensic psychology research here remains significantly understudied. To the best of the author's knowledge, no existing research has investigated the factors contributing to crime within Malaysia. Thus, the study's objective is to explore the factors contributing to criminal behaviour in Malaysia by applying Durrant's framework.

Methods: A single-case research design was employed, focusing on a Malaysian ex-convict. Analysis of the case study demonstrated the relevance of all six factors within Durrant's framework, supported by existing research.

Case Presentation: The present study recruited a young adult male ex-convict from a drug rehabilitation centre in Malaysia. He has a history of drug addiction and dealing, resulting in a charge under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The participant served a two-year prison sentence.

Discussion: The current findings validate Durrant's Level of Analysis and Explanation of Crime as a valuable theoretical framework for understanding criminal behaviour. All factors considered—evolutionary, sociological, genetic, developmental, psychological, and situational—were relevant to the case study and supported by the results.

Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by being among the first to utilize a case study approach to examine criminal behaviour in Malaysia. By applying Durrant's framework, the study demonstrates its potential for understanding criminal behaviour.

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