Understanding the Role of Criminal Propensity in different Offence motivation among Larceny Offenders in India

This study investigates the relationship between criminal propensity and various motivations for committing larceny among adult male prisoners in India. Focusing on motivations such as compliance, excitement, provocation, and financial gain, this research aims to explain how these factors correlate with the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Utilizing an exploratory research design, a sample of 135 adult male prisoners, convicted under IPC sections 378 and 379 for larceny offenses, was selected from diverse jails across India. Participants were chosen based on power analysis to ensure strong findings, and data collection was conducted within the prison to maintain a controlled environment. Two primary instruments were employed: the Offending Motivation Questionnaire and the Criminal Propensity Scale. The results reveal significant correlations between higher levels of criminal propensity and motivations for larceny, including compliance, excitement, provocation, and financial. It also highlights that individuals with high criminal propensity often show behaviors ranging from thrill-seeking to confrontational tendencies, aligning with existing literature that suggests sensation-seeking traits predict risky behaviors. Notably, compliance does not eliminate criminal tendencies; individuals may comply due to external pressures rather than genuine respect for the law. Furthermore, intercorrelations among offense motivations suggest that these traits are interconnected rather than isolated. This complexity implies that interventions focused solely on enhancing compliance may be inadequate; addressing multiple motivational factors is essential.