Guilt, Coping Strategies, Locus of Control and Emotional Intelligence among Adolescents in Conflict with the Law

Adolescents in conflict with the law have to face emotional issues like guilt, which might influence their coping behaviour, perceptions of control, and emotional intelligence. The present study attempts to explore the relationship between guilt, coping strategies, locus of control, and emotional intelligence in adolescents in conflict with the law. In this cross-sectional study, 100 male adolescents aged between 16 and 18 years were selected from the juvenile justice system. Standardized tools were the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale, Brief COPE Scale, Rotter's Locus of Control Scale, and Personal Profile Survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Significant relations were found between guilt and coping strategies and also between the locus of control and problem-focused coping. Guilt repair showed a positive association with emotional intelligence, thus acting as an adaptive function. This study highlights psychological aspects that impact emotional self-control and behaviour modification among adolescents within the legal system. The results of this study could help create viable strategies for counselling and rehabilitation that strengthen coping and emotional skills.