Introduction
Deviant behavior poses a threat to society, so scientists still elaborate on new theories explaining its origins. In their research, Antonietta Curci and Romy Greco found that strain and stress are factors leading to inner-directed forms of deviant behavior such as substance intake and gambling supplemented by negative emotions (Brix, 2016). In addition, scholars noticed that adolescents and people from a family where addictive behaviors are frequently manifested are more inclined to substance abuse and gambling (Brix, 2016). Professionals could apply their study implications to create prevention measures targeting to mitigate the negative emotions in people and provide them healthy alternatives.
Main body
The population should learn coping strategies that reduce the detrimental effects of stress, such as depression and anger. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies work with cognitive distortions resulting in effective emotional regulation. As opposed to gambling and substance abuse that temporarily distracts people from their issues, cognitive behavioral therapy at least helps change the perspective on the problem. Nowadays, there are many self-help materials and mobile applications that are free of charge and accessible to everyone.
In addition, people should be encouraged to choose a healthy alternative to substance intake and gambling. These alternatives should evoke bright and strong positive emotions. These could be team sports and video games, inducing people to engage in competitions and providing them a healthy way to forget about their problems. Moreover, the focus should be on adolescents inclined to deviant behavior. It is very important to remove these individuals from the atmosphere, provoking dangerous behavior, and place them in a new environment among new influential people. That goal could be reached with the help of school psychologists that should consult adolescents about their opportunities and teach them coping techniques to overcome the negative effects of stress and strain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coping strategies help prevent the dangerous accumulation of stress. With the knowledge of new alternatives to self-destructing actions, people could adopt new behavior patterns and activate feelings of excitement and joy. In addition, psychologists from various educational establishments should pay special attention to adolescents growing up in troubled families, introducing them to psychological techniques during the consultations and encouraging them to find new positive agents of influence among their peers and adults.
Reference
Brix, L. (2016). Do stress and strain lead to deviant behavior? Neuroscience News.com. Web.