engleski

Coping strategies of youth in difficult life situations

The aim of the work is to explore which coping strategies young people use when faced with difficult life situations such as social and economic deprivation, social-pathologic phenomena in the family, maltreatment, neglect, living without parents etc. Young people examined are in the process of professional assessment of needs and planning of treatment or other forms of social support and help. An extensive semi-structural interview was carried out with 40 young people age 14 – 22 (sex: M – 21, F – 19) on their life experience so far. Subjects elaborated in the interview are: childhood, family, self-experience, school, coevals and free time, actual situation, wishes and plans for the future etc. In the context of these subjects young people talk about their hard times and strategies they used to cope with them. The interviews were copied and analyzed by reduction and interpretation on principles of objective hermeneutics. Nvivo - computer program for qualitative data analysis was used as technical help in empiric material analysis. We think that specific qualities of qualitative approach in research of this subject are priceless. This approach to problem can help the experts in better assessment of needs of Vulnerable and Threatened Youth and planning of treatment and other forms of social help and support.

youth, difficult life situations, coping strategies, qualitative study

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