THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLUENCE IMPLEMENTATION IN PENITENTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The article is addressed to the consideration of the psychological features of the implementation of the educational influence mechanisms in penitentiary institutions, because the main goal of the work of the criminal and executive system is effective educational influence on a person who has broken the law. Such influence cannot be carried out forcibly and on the basis of intimidation, therefore the relevance of the topic stated by the author lies in the analysis of the psychological features of the educational influence on the convict in order to improve the quality of psychological and pedagogical work aimed at the resocialization of the convict. The authors consider the peculiarities of the term ‘psychological influence’, and analyzes the peculiarities of its implementation by employees of the criminal enforcement service. The work traces the correlation between the concept of “dynamic security” and socio-psychological influence, which is determined by the need to establish positive relationships between the personnel and convicts for the implementation of effective correctional socio-psychological influence. The work analyzes the factors that affect the influence process and the essential characteristics of the influence process itself, which must be taken into account by the personnel during the performance of official duties. The article raises such problematic issues as: researching the convict’s needs through which influence can be exerted, identifying the target of influence and observing the rules for delivering messages to the object of influence. Based on the analyzed theoretical sources, the basic components of influence are highlighted: behavior, attitudes, cognition. The article also emphasizes that a change in one of the components entails a change in the others. Therefore, for an effective psychological impact, the employees of the criminal and executive system are suggested to focus their attention on the emotional and psychological characteristics of the convict; peculiarities of his interaction with the group and taking into account his social position in it; cultural and educational level of the convict; social connections outside the prison; features of criminal thinking. The main factors of the effectiveness of the implementation of social and psychological influence are highlighted, which should be observed by the employees of the institutions of execution of punishments when working with the objects of influence. In the work, the author comes to the conclusion that the establishment of positive, frank and open relations between the staff of the penal institution and the convicts contributes to the effective socio-psychological influence on the latter and thereby increases the level and effectiveness of resocialization. Key words: impact, psychological impact, socio-psychological impact, execution of punishments, dynamic security, criminal and executive service.