Risk factors for aggressive behavior in juvenile offenders suffering from schizophrenic spectrum disorders

Abstract

The article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at identifying the risk factors for aggressive behavior in juvenile offenders suffering from schizophrenic spectrum disorders. A total of 72 male juveniles aged 15 to 17 years were examined. A set of methods for studying individual psychological characteristics was used, as well as a screening tool for assessing possible mental distress (MAYSI-2). Based on the findings, it is concluded that adolescents who have committed socially dangerous acts and suffer from disorders of the schizophrenic spectrum have a high level of proactive and reactive aggressiveness. Due to specific violations in the communicative sphere, mechanisms for containing aggressive motives are formed worse. Among the clinico-psychological risk factors of aggressive criminal behavior for them, the most significant is a violation of thinking, which leads to a misinterpretation of the social context.

Keywords

• clinical and psychological risk factors
• aggressive criminal behavior
• screening tools
• juvenile delinquents