The structure of life attitude in terminally  ill convicts: components and dynamics

Yuriy Kuchkarev

VAK Russia 5.3.9 UDC 159.9

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THE STRUCTURE OF LIFE ATTITUDE IN TERMINALLY ILL CONVICTS: COMPONENTS AND DYNAMICS The structure of life attitude in terminally ill convicts: components and dynamics

АА Аа

Published in Russian Journal of Deviant Behavior · Volume 6, Issue 1 · Pages 62–76 · Rubric: Psychological research on deviant behavior

Received: 09.10.2025 Accepted: 27.01.2026 Published: 28.04.2026

Authors

Yuriy Kuchkarev

ORCID

Yuriy Kuchkarev

Academy of the Federal Penal Service of Russia Ad'yunkt · Yuridicheskaya psihologiya i psihologiya bezopasnosti · Ryazan

Federal State Medical and Preventive Institution MB-10 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Vologda Region Senior Psychologist · Psychological Laboratory · Russian Federation · Vologda

ORCID

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The article provides an analysis of the structure of life attitude in terminally ill convicts, presents its basic components, and reveals the dynamics of the process. Terminal illness and waiting for death can cause a reduction in socially significant relationships among this category of convicts, leading them to destructive, deviant behavior and violations of the regime and internal rules of the correctional facility. In this regard, the characteristics of convicts’ life attitude are analysed; the leading components in the structure of life attitude in terminally ill convicts are examined; the problem area and characteristics of the dynamics of life attitude among this category are studied. Life attitude is a significant component in the prevention of destructive behavior and suicide in terminally ill convicts. The purpose of the research is to examine the psychological characteristics and the structure of life attitude in terminally ill convicts sentenced to imprisonment in penitentiary institutions; to propose general guidelines for the psychological support of such individuals. Research methods: analysis of literary sources on the research issue, method of generalisation and systematisation, system analysis, theoretical modelling. Research results (theoretical analysis): the structure of life attitude in terminally ill convicts can be characterised in terms of low self-esteem, denial of reality, dissatisfaction with life experience, difficulty in decision-making, pessimism, and lack of life goals. Such individuals are characterised by distrust towards others, difficulties in interacting with them, feeling of loneliness, and a sense of social isolation. Conclusions: When providing psychological support to individuals in this category, particular attention should be paid to developing a realistic life attitude. Such an attitude can become the basis for a productive remaining life.

KEYWORDS

life attitude, terminally ill convicts, terminal illness, correctional facilities, penitentiary system, death attitude, psychological support, life meaning

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