THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CONFLICT AS A DETERMINANT OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the psychology of conflict as a determinant of deviant behaviour. It is argued that intrapersonal conflicts, arising from contradictions between needs, values and social norms, are a significant factor in the formation of maladaptive forms of behaviour. The main mechanisms by which internal contradictions are transformed into deviant manifestations are identified, in particular, impaired self-regulation, cognitive distortions and emotional destabilisation. The role of the social environment and individual psychological characteristics in the intensification of conflicts and the formation of deviant behaviour is emphasised. The relevance of the study is determined by the rising level of psycho-emotional tension in society, the transformation of value orientations, and the increasing complexity of social interactions, which intensify manifestations of intrapersonal conflicts and associated deviant forms of behaviour. In conditions of social crisis and instability, the study of the psychological mechanisms underlying the emergence and resolution of internal personality conflicts takes on particular importance.

In the course of their research, the authors established that the psychology of conflict acts as a key determining factor in the development of deviant behaviour, particularly in conditions of social instability and heightened psychological and emotional stress. It was found that unresolved intrapersonal conflicts lead to the accumulation of tension, which can transform into maladaptive behavioural strategies, including aggression, avoidance, protest or addictive behaviour. Cognitive distortions, impaired self-regulation and insufficient development of the individual’s value-semantic sphere play a particular role in this process.