Psychological predictors of defects in legal socialisation of modern adolescents

Abstract

Introduction. Identification of psychological predictors of defects in legal socialisation of modern adolescents’ personality remains an important problem in the context of the continuing level of deviant and criminal behaviour among minors. Methods. The article presents the results of the empirical study of the personality traits of minors with legal socialisation defects that was conducted between October 2021 and February 2022. The object of the study was the personal characteristics of minors with defects in legal socialisation. The subject of the study was the communicative, emotional, regulatory properties, coping strategies, adaptation indicators, value orientations and forms of legal consciousness of minors with defects in legal socialisation. Study sample: 167 juveniles. Results. The author comes to the conclusion that the basis of legal realism, namely positive attitude to law, is sufficient adaptive abilities, high level of awareness in the field of scientific and cultural knowledge, optimal energy potential, moral normativity, coping with stress by the type of assertive actions, internality, tendency to escapism. The obtained results can be used in preventive work with minors, aimed at the formation of adequate legal consciousness. The obtained data on predictors of certain forms of legal defects can also be used in the process of psychocorrective work with minors. As a promising direction for further research, the author sees the development of possibilities for optimising the degree of socio-psychological adaptation of minors and the properties ensuring it (adaptability, submissiveness, acceptance of others, emotional comfort), and such characterological properties as moral normativity, tendency to dominate, pragmatism, courage, conformity. The conducted research helped to identify key psychological factors that contribute to the formation of permissive attitude to law. Understanding these factors will not only make it possible to combat delinquency more effectively, but will also help work out more targeted support and development programs for adolescents.