The objective was to analyze the representations of adolescents in conflict with the law from the point of view of the Theory of Social Representations. This is a qualitative research with a sample of 25 adolescents in conflict with the law, in compliance with social educational internment measures, in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba. A social demographic questionnaire and the “Drawings-Story with a Theme” tool were used as instruments. Data were analyzed with the aid of the Thematic Content Analysis proposed by Bardin. The results show that 60% of the adolescents surveyed were aged between 15 and 16 years, with an average of 16.3 years (DP = 0.74). Regarding the offense, a significant number of assaults (44%), as well as attempted murders, and robberies followed by murder (48%) were observed. Drugs were negatively represented as being responsible for bringing consequences related to health problems and family conflicts. Crack was cited as the most destructive drug and was linked to criminal acts that maintain addiction. We hope that the results found may contribute to broaden the existing knowledge on the subject studied and to stimulate reflections to promote intervention and preventive practices among adolescents undergoing social and educational corrections.
Adolescents in Conflict with the Law; Social Representation; Drugs
