August Aichhorn educational centers for delinquent adolescents as an example successful extrapolation of psychoanalytic theory into the practice of social and pedagogical work

Abstract

The article is devoted to a topical and little-studied issue – the extrapolation of psychoanalytic theory into the practice of social and pedagogical work with delinquent teenagers on the example of the educational centers of the Austrian psychoanalyst and pedagogue August Aichhorn. The article examines the methodological foundations of A. Aichhorn’s pedagogical activity, shows the influence of S. Freud’s classical psychoanalysis, A. Adler’s individual psychology, and European reform pedagogy. The similarities and differences of his psychoanalytic pedagogy from representatives of European schools of “free education” and representatives of “humanistic pedagogy” are analyzed. The specifics of the work of A. Aichhorn and his colleagues with delinquent teenagers in the “Youth House” educational center are revealed, and the requirements for pedagogical staff are considered. The psychoanalytic concept of juvenile delinquency developed by A. Aichhorn, namely the concept of latent and overt child delinquency, is analyzed in detail, its causes and consequences, the main unconscious psychological motives that encourage illegal behavior are analyzed. The influence of the family on the formation of a delinquent personality is highlighted. Special attention is paid to modern psychoanalytic concepts of delinquency, namely: the psychoanalytic concept of internal regulation of behavior (W. Reckless), the concept of neutralization (in-depth analysis of the protective mechanisms of the psyche, which are the basis of delinquent motivation (G. Sykes and D. Matza), psychoanalytical concept of criminal behavior (J. Coleman). The psychoanalytical methods and techniques used in penitentiary practice on offenders (including juveniles) are explained. The importance of A. Aichhorn’s psychoanalytical pedagogy for modern pedagogical science is proved. The article analyzes the activities of the “August Aichhorn Center for Adolescent Residential Care” (New York, USA), which specializes in work with delinquent and antisocial children and adolescents.