Literature analysis and research proposal on the correlation between mental illness and violence and crimeIn recent decades, much research has attempted to test and explain the correlation between mental illness and violence and crime. mental illness. Moore and Hiday (2006) claim that up to 22% of inmates suffer from mental illness, sometimes containing more mental illness patients than many psychiatric units. These statistics make it clear how important it is to understand the causes of the correlations between crime, violence and mental disorders. This proposal wishes to explain and understand the possible correlation and the reasons for such a correlation between mental illnesses and violence and crime. Further research aimed at testing these theories of crime and mental disorders will also be presented. Crime can be described as a combination of behavioral and mental factors. This will prove extremely crucial in defining crime in relation to mental illness. Many of those who commit crimes are not convicted due to their illness. It is therefore important to note, for the purposes of this analysis, that all illegal activity is considered a crime, regardless of the conviction (Monahan and Steadman, 1983). people with mental illness have an increased likelihood of committing crimes. It is important to note, however, that not all people with mental illness commit crimes or violent behavior and therefore the cause is not obvious. Substance abuse, a mental disorder, is also considered a significant risk for violent behavior (Silver 2006). Hiday (1995) asks the question of the meaning of this correlation. Does mental illness lead to violence or is it the other way around? THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKSilver (2006) asserts the importance of using...... middle of paper ......s. Law and Human Behavior 30(6):659-674.Powell, Thomas A., John C. Holt, and Karen M. Fondacaro. 1997. “The Prevalence of Mental Illness Among Prisoners in a Rural State.” Law and Human Behavior 21(4):427-438.Robbins, Pamela Clark, John Monahan, and Eric Silver. 2003. “Mental Disorders, Violence and Gender.” Law and Human Behavior 27(6):561-571.Silver, Eric. 2006. “Understanding the Relationship Between Mental Disorders and Violence: The Need for a Criminological Perspective.” » Law and Human Behavior 30(6):685-706. Silver, Eric and Brent Teasdale. 2005. “Mental Disorders and Violence: Examining Stressful Life Events and Impaired Social Support.” Social Problems 52(1):62-78.Walsh, Zach and David S. Kosson. 2007. “Psychopathy and Violent Crime: A Prospective Study of the Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity.” Law and human behavior 31(2):209-229.