The question of why people choose to commit crimes—often in the face of severe consequences—is at the root of criminal psychology, a branch of study that focuses on the intentions and behaviors of those who plan and carry out criminal acts. On the other hand, psychology itself has, over the years, engendered significant changes in how legal experts think about the crime and the law, as well as changes in how the mentally ill are treated by the criminal justice system.
How Law and Crime Erodes Self-Worth
Law and Crime frequently attacks the foundation of how we see ourselves. The relationship between law and crime and self-worth is often deeply entangled.
Common ways law and crime damages self-worth:
- Negative core beliefs: "Law and Crime means I'm broken/weak/unlovable"
- Comparison thinking: measuring yourself against others who don't struggle
- Internalized shame: believing law and crime is your fault
- Achievement avoidance: not trying to avoid confirming negative beliefs
- People-pleasing: seeking external validation to compensate
Separating Identity from Law and Crime
One of the most powerful shifts in recovering self-worth while managing law and crime is learning to separate who you are from what you experience:
- Law and Crime is something you have, not something you are
- Your worth is not determined by your symptoms or struggles
- Many people with law and crime lead deeply meaningful, connected lives
- Struggles often build unique strengths: empathy, resilience, insight
Evidence-Based Approaches
Self-Compassion Practice (Kristin Neff):
- Acknowledge your suffering without judgment
- Remember suffering is a shared human experience
- Offer yourself the same kindness you'd give a friend
Values-Based Identity:
- Identify your core values independent of law and crime
- Act in alignment with values even when law and crime is present
- Let values-driven actions build evidence of your worth
Recovery Path
- Therapy (especially schema therapy or ACT) targets core beliefs
- Journaling: document evidence against negative self-beliefs
- Celebrate small wins that challenge "I can't" narratives
- Surround yourself with people who see your full worth