Psychological Wellbeing of the Minor in Conflict with the Law

Abstract

There is little doubt that being incarcerated is a stressful experience for many juvenile delinquents. Early researchers suggested that imprisonment had negative psychological and physical effects on its inmates, leading to psychological deterioration. This article aims to provide an overview of the coping strategies, adjustment and well-being in the prison environment. The study is qualitative and was conducted at the premises of the Institute of Minors Kavaja. The group of minors investigated is of age 14-18 years, this age coinciding with the age when one is held responsible of criminal activity. The psychosocial analysis focuses on the psychological reactions of these minors as a result of frustration or inadequacy and lack of communication, low self-esteem, the closure in themselves, the expression of aggression, fear of the unknown, anxiety and social withdrawal, being sensitive to the reaction of others, etc., these elements can determine the course of the well-being of minors in isolation environments The results demonstrate that there is a complex relationship between the coping strategies, adjustment (adaption) and well-being of minor and that institutional opportunities and changes can be beneficial. In the end, this article gives some recommendations how to get better some elements that influenced in well-being, across efficient involvement of educational staff, the police and other social agents who cooperate with the institution or created specific programs for this target.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p488