Study of gender self-esteem and the specifics of subjective gender space among young men who have committed violent crimes of a sexual nature and prosocial young men

Introduction. A growing personality, in adolescence, finding itself on the threshold of adulthood, faces difficulties in determining its own intimate perspective and value guidelines for the future. Different directions and views on intimate relationships create a situation of choice, self-understanding and quick response. At the same time, personal attitudes, stereotypes, and expectations, which often are not just unformed, but destructive, are becoming increasingly important. The purpose of this study is to identify the features of gender self-esteem and characteristics of subjective gender perception in three groups of young men: those who committed sexual crimes, violent crimes and prosocial young people. Materials and methods. The study involved 135 young men aged 16-18, including those accused of violent, sexual crimes and representatives of the prosocial group. The analysis of the features of gender self-esteem and subjective gender perception was carried out using the "Personal Semantic Differential" technique. KEYWORDS Research results. Unique aspects of gender self-esteem and perception of gender space in young men involved in violent sexual crimes have been revealed. Thus, the indicators of self-esteem of representatives of this group indicate its inadequacy, which is expressed, on the one hand, in reliably lower assessments of the formation of masculine characteristics in themselves, in particular, activity (Ac = 23,14; p < 0.05) and reliably more pronounced emotional qualities (Ac = 10,08; p < 0.05). On the other hand, the inadequacy of self-esteem is revealed as a low level of self-acceptance (Ocs = 12,66), the differences with similar indicators in the "assessments of men" are statistically significant (p < 0.05). The profiles of the ideal man and men in general are characterized by higher indicators of the expression of masculine qualities, reliably (at the 95% level) differing from similar indicators in the group of prosocial young men. In the gender perceptions of violent delinquents, female peers are attributed with a greater expression of masculine characteristics (Acd = 22.07; Vd = 16.12; p < 0.05) and a lesser expression of traditionally feminine properties (Emd = 15.63; Nrd = 10.24; p < 0.01). Conclusion. The study provides a basis for the development and implementation of programs aimed at preventing and correcting the behavioral tendencies of young men predisposed to committing sexual crimes. The data obtained can help in developing programs aimed at supporting the social adaptation of young men with behavioral problems and increasing the effectiveness of the work of teachers, psychologists and social workers.