Coping Strategies: A Comparative Study Between Delinquent and Non-Delinquent Individuals

Abstract

This research aims to explore the strategies used by delinquent and non-delinquent individuals in dealing with stressful situations they encounter in various life contexts. These strategies are influenced by both personality traits and the extent to which an individual relies on coping skills. They also depend on the duration of exposure to stressful situations and the individual's acquisition of social skills. Among the strategies individuals use in response to stressful situations are those focused on problem-solving or addressing the situation directly, while others are emotional reactions. There are also avoidance strategies, where an individual attempts to escape the situation causing the stress.

Hypotheses have been proposed to answer the posed questions:

- There are differences in the reliance on task-focused strategies in dealing with stressful situations between delinquent and non-delinquent youth.

- There are differences in the reliance on emotion-focused strategies in dealing with stressful situations between delinquent and non-delinquent youth.

- There are differences in the reliance on avoidance strategies in dealing with stressful situations between delinquent and non-delinquent youth.

A comparative descriptive methodology was employed, with a sample of 60 young individuals into two groups. The first group consisted of 30 delinquent youths selected from rehabilitation institutions, while the second group included 30 non-delinquent youths drawn from youth centers. The Landler and Park Coping Strategies Scale was administered to both groups. Statistical analyses were conducted using the t-test to determine differences between the two groups.

The findings revealed significant differences in the use of emotion-focused coping strategies, with delinquent youth relying more on such strategies. The confirmation of the study's hypotheses supports the strength of the theoretical framework on which it was based.