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FROM RISK BEHAVIOUR TO THE SAFE FUTURE - EXPERIENCES OF CROATIAN YOUTH WITH RISK BEHAVIOUR INCLUDED IN INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOSOCIAL TREATMENT

G. Berc, D. Rogina, M. Majdak

Abstract

Risk behaviours in youth are often the result of personal identity issues and internal conflicts, connected with the need for new and more complex excitement, and a new image about themselves. Such behaviours often precede delinquent behaviour or occur with delinquent behaviour. It also could be related to impulsive decision-making, negligent behaviour, conflict with peers or authority, and having a significant negative impact on the wider society. The aim of this paper is to gain insight the experiences of young people with risk behaviour involved in an individual psychosocial treatment at the youth counselling centre. The purpose of the study was to find out the circumstances (behaviours and acts) of youth involvement into treatment, as well as to learn about the treatment effectiveness and the satisfaction with the treatment from youth perspective. In this qualitative study the purposeful sampling was used. Twelve young people with risk behaviour involved in individual psychosocial treatment were participating (age 18 to 22). Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were processed by qualitative content analysis. The results have shown that youth with risk behaviours are included in an individual psychosocial treatment mostly because of the criminal offenses: misuse of drug substances, criminal acts against life and body and property delicts. The individual psychosocial treatment was beneficial for youth because they experienced contentious and open conversation with the therapist, developed ability for self-control, and improved their relationships. It also helped them in overcoming the school's responsibilities, in submitting job application procedure, and in planning life for the future. Participants stated that was beneficial for them that they could express their personal thoughts, discuss about thematic of their personal significance, gaining insights into their own mistakes supported by specialized and confidential therapist. This study indicated the significant role of the individual psychosocial treatment in re-socialization process of youth with risk behaviour offering a new life perspective for their safer future.

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