Unethical Behavior, Violent Disciplinary Practices and Juveniles’ Psycho-physical Health in Pakistan: An Exploratory Research Analysis

Abstract

The current study explored how unethical behavior, and violent 
disciplinary practices affect juveniles’ physical and psychological 
health. Using an exploratory qualitative research inquiry, Jails were 
selected as a universe of study, and the unit of analysis was a juvenile 
delinquent. The sampling was a non-probability snowball sampling 
with (N=17) sample size at Kohat and Karak, KPK, Pakistan. The 
inclusion criteria were the ones who committed a minor crime and 
completed their punishment or were released on probation. The 
qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis, such as codes, 
categories, and themes. The study's findings revealed that unethical 
behavior and Violent Disciplinary Practices contribute to a child's 
aggressive behavior, maladjustment in the family, abusive behavior 
with friends, loneliness, and depression. It also revealed that such 
behavior also increases the tendency of recurrence of crime with such 
juveniles. In addition to various legislative and policy measures taken 
by Pakistan, the study suggested that curbing unethical behavior and 
violent disciplinary practices at home, jails, or school will be a step 
forward in reducing the likelihood of becoming juveniles. Ethical 
behavior and violent disciplinary practices create stressful conditions 
for juveniles and cause them to become delinquent in the future by 
deteriorating their physical and psychological health.