Abstract Individuals' motivation to commit crime is often influenced by a confluence of factors such as mental health, emotional needs, economic status, social environment and family background. In addition, social factors such as social inequality, poverty, unemployment and social exclusion also play an important role in the formation of criminal motivation. An in-depth study of offenders' motivation can not only reveal the root causes of criminal behavior, but also provide a theoretical basis for the development of more effective crime prevention strategies and corrective measures. Future research should further explore the interactions between criminal motivation and social environment and cultural background to provide society with more comprehensive crime prevention and control countermeasures.