The Role of Cognitive Deficits in Juvenile Delinquency: A Systematic Review of Mental Health Outcomes

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the cognitive and mental health outcomes of juvenile delinquents, focusing on neuropsychological deficits contributing to delinquent behaviours. After screening over 200 studies, 20 met the inclusion criteria, incorporating data on cognitive impairments and mental health disorders in juvenile offenders across various regions in the Asia. The total sample size of the studies reviewed exceeded 2,500 participants from juvenile justice institutions, community programs, and schools. The review focused on cognitive domains such as executive function, attention, memory, response inhibition, and decision-making, as well as mental health conditions including ADHD, conduct disorder, and substance abuse.
The results indicate a strong association between cognitive deficits—particularly impulsivity, attention deficits, executive dysfunctions, and poor decision-making—and increased risk of delinquency. Mental health disorders such as conduct disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and substance use were found to be prevalent among juvenile offenders. Recent studies further highlight the role of cognitive impairments in processing perception, cue interpretation, and problem-solving among delinquents, reinforcing the need for early intervention. However, methodological inconsistencies and sample heterogeneity remain key limitations in the literature.
These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing cognitive deficits and mental health disorders in juvenile offenders. The review calls for future research to adopt longitudinal approaches, explore culturally relevant interventions, and integrate neuropsychological assessments in juvenile justice systems.