Criminological significance of emotional instability of the individual
The article is the result of a scientific criminological study of the influence of emotional instability of a person on the behavior of a criminal. It also attempts to understand the role and place of this mental feature in the system of internal determinants that contribute to the commission of crimes. The article clarifies the range of socially dangerous acts that are most characteristic of persons with this mental feature, examines the specifics of the behavior of emotionally unstable individuals when they are committed. The article shows that emotional instability is, along with negative individual psychological characteristics, an essential internal determinant that provokes criminal behavior. Taking into account the peculiarities of an emotionally unstable personality, the greatest criminal activity is manifested in the sphere of violent crimes. Emotional instability leaves a significant imprint on the image of criminal actions, characterized by impulsiveness, spontaneity and, often, chaotic criminal actions. Emotional instability often leads to repeated criminal aggressive and violent behavior. Knowledge about emotional instability as a determinant of criminal behavior should become the basis for the formation of individual preventive work for this category of persons, which should include improving the control of the emotional sphere, the development of intelligence and morality. The results of the research presented in the article can be useful for the best understanding of the internal psychological determinants of the commission of crimes in order to detect, investigate, predict and prevent crimes by people with these mental characteristics.