Diagnostics of factors contributing to socially dangerous behaviour in adolescents: approbation and psychometric verification of the instrumentation

Introduction . The development of effective methods for diagnosing factors associated with socially dangerous behaviour among adolescents is a pressing issue in contemporary psychological and pedagogical research. Aim. The aim of this article is to outline the stages of development and psychometric validation of a diagnostic questionnaire designed to identify socio-psychological factors that serve as markers of socially dangerous behaviour during adolescence. Methodology and research methods . The article presents the results of the development, initial testing, and validity assessment of the question nairetitled “Methodology for Identifying Factors of Delinquency in Adolescence,” which is based on an integrative approach. This methodology employs the principle of semantic differential and consists of 30 items, each containing statements related to the identified factors. The sample comprised adolescents aged 11 to 17 years (average age: 13.7 years; n = 291). To assess reliability, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was utilised. To evaluate the validity of the questionnaire, the relationships between the scales and the parameters of the Cattell test-questionnaire for adolescents (Test 14 PF, 142 questions), the “Self-Diagnosis of a Typical Family Situation” questionnaire by R. V. Ovcharova, and the questionnaire for studying the psychological safety of the educational environment by I. A. Baeva were analysed. Results and scientific novelty . As a result of psychometric testing, the methodology demonstrated a high level of consistency among the items within the scales of the questionnaire, an adequate level of reliability for homogeneity, and satisfactory indicators of construct validity. Practical significance . The developed diagnostic questionnaire, designed as a self-report tool, offers an economical and effective means of studying the factors associated with socially dangerous behaviour in adolescents. This methodology can be employed by specialists during the preventive intervention phase with this demographic.