Análise comparativa entre as histórias de vida de jovens delinquentes e de jovens “normativos”: serão assim tão diferentes?

Abstract

There is a continuum between what is considered a "normative" adolescence, from which deviation forms part, to the adoption of antisocial and "delinquent" behavior. The literature has focused either on adolescence or delinquency, and there are no studies that attempt to articulate these two dimensions, that is, to comparatively analyze adolescents with delinquent and "normative" adolescent behaviors. Thus, the present study seeks to compare the life histories of delinquent young people and "normative" young people, in order to understand this continuum and try to identify what distinguishes them. For this, we interviewed 9 young people institutionalized in educational centers (who committed crimes) and 9 young people of the community without history of criminal behavior. The semi-structured interview "The Life Story Interview", Dan P. McAdams 2008), was administered individually. The methodology used to analyze the interviews was the thematic analysis, using the Nvivo 10. The results indicate some differences but also similarities among young people: in the life history of delinquent youth, deviant behavior is a theme that stands out, while in the of normative young people there is a focus on the theme of leisure activities. They also distinguish themselves in terms of achievement and school progress. However, both highlight and value the family and peer group. These themes are discussed and compared based on what the literature indicates about risk factors and protective factors for delinquency.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Ana Rita Conde Dias (Supervisor)