Research, Indigenous Approaches, Criminal Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Law

Sound mental health practice in South Asia rests on two foundations that are too often kept apart: rigorous research and the region’s own indigenous and locally rooted ways of understanding wellbeing. This thematic area brings them into conversation, alongside the psychology and law that shape how societies respond to harm.

Research and evidence give practice its credibility, yet much of the evidence base guiding mental health in the region was produced elsewhere. Locally grounded research, culturally rooted healing traditions, community knowledge and indigenous approaches to distress and recovery deserve serious, respectful study rather than dismissal.

Human behavior, crime and mental health are also deeply interconnected, but this relationship requires careful, ethical understanding. Crime should never be simplistically explained as a consequence of mental illness. Most people experiencing mental health conditions are not violent and should not be stigmatized. Still, psychological, emotional, social, developmental and environmental factors can influence aggression, impulsivity, repeated offending and criminal decision-making.

The theme will explore how criminal psychology, emotional intelligence and emotional regulation, rehabilitation and legal systems can work together to understand and prevent harmful behavior, and will examine the psychological consequences of crime for victims, offenders, families, law-enforcement personnel and communities.