Abstract
This chapter explores important issues in the domain of criminal psychology through a positive psychology lens. In essence, the scope and importance of looking at crime prevention and criminal rehabilitation through a strengths-based perspective, beyond the conventional remedial approach, is discussed. This chapter is broadly presented in three segments. First, there is a brief introduction to the emergence and evolution of positive psychology, including the key aspects of happiness, wellbeing, and strengths, as well as their relevance in the area of criminal psychology. Next, the chapter focuses on the contribution of positive psychology to crime prevention and rehabilitation, by presenting existing theoretical and empirical work that has adopted a strengths-based approach. The final part of this chapter offers recommendations for future research and practice. Steps to bridge the gap between a deficit and asset perspective are elaborated. The chapter concludes by noting the prospects and benefits of applying principles of positive psychology to enhance wellbeing and reduce adverse outcomes for individuals, communities, and institutions.
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Khanna, P. (2021). Criminal Psychology Through a Positive Psychology Lens: From a Deficit to Asset Perspective. In: Sahni, S.P., Bhadra, P. (eds) Criminal Psychology and the Criminal Justice System in India and Beyond. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4570-9_17
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