3735 - FROM MARGINS TO MEANING: UNDERSTANDING THE WELL-BEING OF DEVIANT ADOLESCENTS IN OBSERVATION HOMES

Session: 3722 - PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF WIDENING INEQUALITIES AND ITS IMPACT ON WELLBEING
AUTHORS:
Kohli Neena (Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India ~ Uttar Pradesh ~ India) , Banerjee Aditya (Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. ~ Manipal ~ India) , Chawla Sarabjeet Kaur (Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. ~ Manipal ~ India) , Sonoo Sonoo (Department of Psychology, K. S. Saket Post Graduate College, Ayodhya, India ~ Uttar Pradesh ~ India)
Abstract text:
The present qualitative study aimed to: (1) understand adolescents' perceptions of antisocial behaviour in observation homes, (2) examine the underlying causes of such behaviour, and (3) explore its consequences. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 20 adolescents (aged 10-18 years) residing in the RajkeeyaSamprekshan Grih (Kishore), Prayagraj, India. Given the sensitive institutional context, particular care was taken in engaging participants. Thematic analysis identified three broad categories of contributing factors: (a) social factors such as broken homes, parental neglect, peer pressure and influence, criminal facilitation by peers, street life, and slum living; (b) individual factors such as gambling, drug abuse, and lack of education; and (c) psychological factors such as negative self-concept, emotional instability, impulsivity, child abuse, stress, and sensation-seeking behaviour. In terms of consequences, adolescents and their families experienced anxiety, suicidal ideation, feelings of revenge, social rejection, shame, guilt, pride, loneliness, financial burden, and social discrimination. The study underscores the complex challenges faced by this vulnerable population and highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate the risks associated with adolescent antisocial behaviour.