正向犯罪學的意義、特徵與應用

Significance, Characteristics and Application of Positive Criminology

鑑於傳統犯罪學較著重探討負向影響因子及負向反應策略（如懲罰、隔離或標籤等），正向犯罪學主張，正向因子對犯罪者成功復歸社會之影響與作用不應被忽略，同時探討正向取向的犯罪預防策略，希冀以此彌補傳統犯罪學之不足。
正向犯罪學是一概念架構之統稱，由許多具正向元素之理論或模式所組成，以此架構協助研究者及實務者間彼此的溝通與對話，其特徵包括：（1）強調正向經驗或互動對行為具影響力；（2）強調犯罪終止和行為轉變；（3）打破隔離，強調人際、內在個人以及靈性此三個層次之整合；及（4）強調全方位問題解決途徑，如修復式正義雖強調修復因犯罪事件產生之損害，亦不忘預防未來犯罪，而可成為一較完整的問題解決正義模式。
正向犯罪學理論概念廣泛應用在犯罪預防、個人的創傷成長、和平建構、社區警政、修復式正義以及包括戒癮十二步驟與藥癮治療性社區等之矯治方案。雖然，相關實證研究展現出正向犯罪學之有效性和福祉性，但正向犯罪學仍面臨多項挑戰，包括：在實證上仍顯脆弱、過度強調個人改變而忽視社會結構因素的影響或系統上的不平等、理論嚴謹度有待強化、有時忽略被害者需求、對某些高風險或暴力傷害過於理想化及文化和脈絡的侷限性等，而有待回應與克服。

In view of the fact that traditional criminology tends to focus on negative influencing factors and reactive strategies—such as punishment, isolation, and labeling—positive criminology posits that the influence and function of prosocial factors in promoting offenders’successful reintegration into society should not be neglected. At the same time, it encourages exploration of proactive and positive-oriented crime prevention strategies, aiming to address the limitations of traditional criminological approaches.
The study finds that Positive Criminology is a collective term for a conceptual framework composed of various theories and enforcement models that incorporate positive elements. Its key features include:
(1) an emphasis on positive experiences and interactions;
(2) a focus on desistance and personal transformation;
(3) breaking down separation and emphasizing integration across three dimensions—interpersonal relationships, intrapersonal (inner self) growth, and spirituality; and
(4) a holistic problem-solving approach, which distinguishes it from traditional frameworks. For example, while restorative justice centers on addressing harm to victims, it also places importance on addressing offenders’needs and promoting their reintegration into society. Though restorative justice emphasizes healing and repair, it also aims at preventing future crime, thereby offering a more comprehensive model of justice that solves problems at both individual and community levels.
The theoretical concepts of Positive Criminology have been widely applied to fields such as crime prevention, post-traumatic growth, peacebuilding, community policing, restorative justice, and rehabilitative programs, including 12-step addiction recovery and therapeutic communities. Empirical research has further demonstrated the effectiveness and well-being-promoting potential of Positive Criminology-based approaches.
Although empirical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and well-being-oriented aspects of positive criminology, the approach still faces several challenges. These include a relatively weak empirical foundation, an overemphasis on individual change that tends to neglect the influence of structural inequalities and broader social systems, insufficient theoretical rigor, occasional disregard for victims’needs, idealization of high-risk or violent offenders, and limitations in addressing cultural and contextual diversity.