Reconstructing the Self: Assessing Self-Esteem and Criminal Social Identity in Violent Offenders for Rehabilitation in the Indian Penal System

Abstract This article critically examines the relationship between self-esteem and criminal social identity in violent offenders, offering a novel rehabilitative framework within the Indian penal system. Despite global recognition of identity reformation as integral to offender rehabilitation, India has yet to integrate these psychological dimensions into correctional strategies. This research, conducted at Sabarmati Central Prison, Ahmedabad, applies structured therapeutic interventions to assess shifts in self-esteem and criminal social identity among 70 violent offenders, measured pre- and post-intervention. Criminal social identity reflects the internalization of criminality as a defining role, while self-esteem denotes an individual’s perceived legitimacy within social norms. The findings underscore the formative influence of environmental, familial and sociocultural factors, revealing a significant interplay between self-concept and criminal behaviour. Statistically significant improvements post-intervention demonstrate the potential for identity reconstruction as a rehabilitative tool. This analysis challenges punitive correctional models, advocating for evidence-based, human-centred interventions that prioritize psychological rehabilitation. By offering a culturally contextualized approach, this article contributes to contemporary debates on criminal justice reform, providing a blueprint for integrating psychological insights into correctional policy in India and beyond.