Deviant behaviour and the adolescent : an analysis of motivational patterns and the role of the school in aetiology and maintenance

Abstract

This study aims to explore the possible relationship between the initial occurrence and maintenance of deviant behaviour among Secondary School students and the experience of school related problems. It also aims to tackle the role of the teacher and school in the possible prevention of such behaviour. This study is mainly based on a self-report questionnaire carried out with Secondary School adolescents, regarding the perceptions of the problems they are encountering in their school environment and their participation in deviant and delinquent activities. Following the administration of the questionnaire, a number of in-depth interviews regarding school experiences were conducted with probationers and prisoners in order to complement the information resulting from the quantitative research. The role of the school in terms of aetiology and maintenance was explored. Furthermore, the literature review deals with adolescence as a period of the lifespan, the concepts of deviance and delinquency and students' experiences within the school institution. In the concluding chapter, ideas are suggested as to how schools can contribute to the prevention of deviant behaviour among adolescents.