Perceptions Of “Good Life” Of Teenagers Inclined To Deviant Behavior

Abstract

This study is aimed at studying the specifics of perceptions of “good life” in teenagers at risk of forming deviant behaviour. The pilot study involved 40 teenagers aged 12-16 who systematically violate social norms and rules and are under intra-school control as a group at risk of forming various forms of deviant behaviour. The control group, performing a representative sample (sex, age, family composition, material wealth, neighbourhood of residence) included 40 teenagers with social and normative behaviour studying at the same comprehensive school. The results of this study show that meaningful ideas about “good life” in teenagers at risk of forming deviant behaviour and teenagers of the conditional norm have significant differences. There found statistically reliable differences according to following criteria “friends”, “family”, “freedom”, “entertainment”, “power”, “health”, “love”, “education”. The studies of teenager assumptions about “good life” allow defining the attributes of wellbeing of teenagers with deviant behaviour. As the main attribute of “good life” for teenagers with deviant behaviour, material prosperity (financial success) is found. The differences in assumptions of “good life” between teenagers with positive socialization and teenagers with deviant behaviour consist of basic believes about subjective welfare that is a purpose for different methods of upbringing. The results of studies can be applied in practical work with children of “risk groups” having socialization problems.