Psychological Factors in the Formation of Juvenile Offenders

Objective of the Study: To identify the psychological factors influencing the formation of juvenile offenders, considering age-specific characteristics and social environment. Research Methodology: The study was based on the analysis of scientific sources in psychology, pedagogy, and criminology, particularly the classifications of childhood, adolescence, and youth, and concept of "critical periods" of mental development. An analysis was conducted on the impact of the social environment, family factors, economic conditions, and individual psychological characteristics on the criminal behavior of minors. Analysis of the latest research and publications. A number of Ukrainian and foreign scientists are engaged in the research of this topic, in particular V.M. Melnychok, who investigates the forensic characteristics of the age-specific characteristics of the criminogenic behavior of minors, S.I. Simakova investigates certain aspects of the criminological characteristics of juvenile delinquency, N. Rohatynska and N. Voytyuk, who investigate the criminological characteristics and prevention of juvenile delinquency, Yu.Yu. Shakhmatov, who investigates the socio-psychological features of the manifestation of the personality of a criminal in the conditions of martial law. Results: It was found that the social environment, family conditions, psychosocial stress, and economic factors are key in forming deviant behavior in adolescents. Negative environmental influences, family dysfunction, and lack of support significantly increase the risk of criminal activity. Adolescents experiencing critical periods of mental development are particularly vulnerable to external negative influences. Conclusions: Psychological factors, including the social environment, family conditions, and individual developmental characteristics, significantly influence the formation of juvenile offenders. To prevent criminal behavior, it is essential to provide appropriate developmental conditions and support for adolescents.