Labeling Theory and Juvenile Mental Health

Kaula Gunter

This project explores the impact of labeling on juvenile mental health, particularly within the criminal justice system. Labeling theory is the act of categorizing people based on physical characteristics or actions they have taken. Although some labels are neutral and descriptive, they can carry certain connotations. For example, the label of “intelligent” carries a positive connotation, while the label “defiant” carries a negative connotation. Holding labels to individuals is not necessarily damaging, but when used negatively, they can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s mental health. Juveniles have a higher chance of being influenced by other people’s actions and opinions than adults and are more at risk to develop a negative self-image and suffer mental health problems as a result. Layered stigma – more than one negative stigma – can worsen these effects (i.e., being a minority delinquent), causing an even further decline into a poor self-image, recidivism, and higher contact with the police.

• Kaula Gunter is from Fountain Inn, SC. She is a graduating senior criminology and psychology double major, with a minor in human services. In the fall, she’ll begin graduate school at University of South Carolina to earn a master’s degree in criminology.