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Psychology and Psychotechnics
Reference:
Kangieva A.M.
Criminal Responsibility in the Kurt Lewin's field theory
// Psychology and Psychotechnics.
2024. № 4.
P. 24-41.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0722.2024.4.72476 EDN: SLPVMU URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=72476
Criminal Responsibility in the Kurt Lewin's field theory
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0722.2024.4.72476EDN: SLPVMUReceived: 26-11-2024Published: 04-12-2024Abstract: The article is devoted to the study of criminal responsibility as a dynamic category through the lens of Kurt Lewin's field theory. The research examines the interaction between an individual's internal motives, value orientations, and external normative requirements within the context of the psychological field. The field approach offers a deeper understanding of the mechanisms shaping and transforming criminal responsibility, including the perception of punishment, acceptance of guilt, or avoidance of responsibility. Special attention is given to modeling the psychological field of an individual under conditions of social stigmatization. Additionally, practical applications of field theory are proposed, including the development of rehabilitation programs, prevention of recidivism, and reduction of social stigmatization. The article shows how the boundaries of the psychological field determine the scope of the influence of external and internal factors on human behavior. They depend on many parameters, including the level of awareness, motivation and the degree of susceptibility to external influences. It is concluded that the boundaries of the field can be dynamic and change under the influence of both internal transformations of the individual and changes in the environment. The trust is shown as a force that transforms the external rule into internal motive of the person. Trust allows minimize internal pressure and tension and achieve balance of field forces. The research can be used for deeper theoretical understanding of criminal responsibility, as well as in the practice of legal psychology and crime prevention. The scientific novelty of article in the adaptation of field theory to study the mechanisms of acceptance of responsibility, resistance to it, and the influence of social stigma on behavior. Keywords: field theory, Kurt Lewin, internal motives, social stigma, internalising of the rule, trust, legal consciousness, criminal responsibility, guilt, punishmentThis article is automatically translated. I.Introduction Criminal liability is a key category of law and psychology that plays a central role in regulating public relations. Traditionally, its analysis focuses on legal aspects, but the complex nature of human behavior requires the inclusion of psychological factors. Kurt Levin's field theory allows us to consider responsibility as a dynamic category that is formed under the influence of the interaction of internal motives of a person and external regulatory requirements. In modern conditions, it is important to take into account not only the normative, but also the psychological aspects of criminal liability. The application of Levin's field theory makes it possible to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of accepting responsibility, evading it and perceiving punishment. This is important for the development of rehabilitation programs and the reduction of recidivism, the formation of legal awareness of citizens. A field analysis of the phenomenon of criminal liability can help to better understand this phenomenon and, as a result, contribute to the establishment of law and order in society, which determines the relevance of the topic. The purpose of this study is to analyze the essence of criminal liability as a dynamic category through the prism of field theory, to identify patterns that explain the behavior of offenders. Kurt Levin's field theory considers behavior as a function of the interaction of personality and environment. Its universality is confirmed in the works of M. Parlett, A. Bandura [3] and others. The application of this approach to legal categories such as liability is discussed in the writings of Yu. Antonyan, E. Arutyunova, O. Sitkovskaya, which emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. The study integrates the approaches of psychology and law to analyze criminal liability as a dynamic category. The scientific novelty lies in adapting field theory to study the mechanisms of accepting responsibility, resisting it, and the impact of social stigma on behavior. The article integrates an approach to criminal liability as a legal construct and as a mental phenomenon through such a category of topological psychology as "living space". It is shown how "social forgiveness" and an individual's personal trust in the law can become the main internal and external forces of the field that form the legal consciousness of the individual and the rule of law in society. During the research, the following stages were completed: analysis of the conceptual framework of field theory and its adaptation to legal categories; development of models for the interaction of internal and external forces in the psychological field of responsibility; formulation of hypotheses for further research and practical application. The proposed approach makes it possible not only to deepen the theoretical understanding of criminal liability, but also to develop tools for the prevention of relapses and to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.
Literature review
The field analysis of criminal liability as a dynamic category requires an interdisciplinary approach combining psychological, legal and socio-psychological concepts. The following theoretical and empirical sources are used in this work. Analysis of the conceptual framework of Kurt Levin's field theory The field theory developed by Kurt Levin is central to the study of the dynamic processes that determine human behavior. The main provisions of this theory are set out in his works, such as "Field Theory in the Social Sciences" [9]. Levin emphasized that the behavior of an individual is determined by the interaction of a personality and its environment, considered within the framework of a single "living space". Levin's formula of behavior B = f (P, E) Explains how behavior (Behavior, B) becomes a function of (f) the interaction of personality (Person, P) and the environment (Environment, E). P (personality): It includes internal factors such as needs, motives, emotions, beliefs, and cognitive processes. E (Wednesday): It covers external factors such as social environment, physical environment, norms, rules, pressure. Levin emphasizes that behavior cannot be explained only by internal or external reasons — it is formed in the dynamic interaction of a person and her environment. Legal liability (including criminal liability), like any behavior, is formed not only by the internal qualities of a person, but also by external circumstances — this is the key to understanding its manifestations in the light of field theory. This approach has made it possible to study complex phenomena where internal and external factors are in constant interaction. Levin's ideas are developed in the works of his students: B. Zeigarnik, A. Karsten, T. Rimbaud, as well as modern Gestalt therapists such as G. Wheeler, M. Parlett, P. Philippson, J.-M. Robin, who apply them to the analysis of personal and social conflicts. These studies highlight the universality of field theory as a tool for understanding complex social processes, including behavior under regulatory pressure. Integration of legal and psychological concepts In the field of legal psychology, the idea of integrating the internal motivation of the individual and external normative expectations is reflected in the works of Albert Bandura on social cognitive theory and its role in the formation of responsibility [3]. Bandura emphasizes the importance of the interaction of cognitive and social factors, which echoes the concept of Paul Levin. In Russian science, an integrative approach to criminal responsibility was developed in the works of V. M. Bekhterev [4] and later works by Yu. M. Antonyan [1], O. D. Sitkovskaya [10]. They view responsibility as a psychological process involving awareness, assessment and acceptance of the consequences of their actions, which correlates with the idea of a conflict of forces in the field. These works help to understand how internal beliefs interact with external norms, creating tension and shaping the dynamics of responsibility.
Modeling the psychological field of responsibility Modeling of dynamic processes in the psychological field is actively studied in social and organizational psychology. For example, in the works of M. Deutsch [7] on the theory of conflict, it is presented how internal contradictions of an individual or a group are resolved under conditions of external pressure. His concept of the interaction of forces in conflict situations complements the theory of the field, adapting it to practical tasks. In the context of criminal liability, the analyzed field includes both internal motives related to personal gain, values and beliefs, as well as external expectations — social norms and the threat of punishment. This aspect is partially reflected in E. Fromm's famous work "Escape from Freedom" [11], which deals with freedom and responsibility in the context of social morality. Social stigma, as an important element of external pressure, is studied by I.B. Bovina, B. G. Bovin [5], which contributes to understanding its influence on the structure of the psychological field of personality. The works of A.V. Didenko [6] show how social mechanisms and rehabilitation programs are able to reduce relapse and form a sense of justice. These aspects are complemented by the research of E. Arutyunov [2], who focuses on the importance of legal education in the process of internalizing norms. Summarizing the existing literature, several key aspects can be identified: - Kurt Levin's field theory remains a universal tool for analyzing complex social phenomena, including behavior under criminal liability. - Legal concepts such as responsibility require the integration of psychological theories for a deeper understanding of the dynamics of behavior. - The relevance of interdisciplinary research is confirmed by the works of domestic and foreign authors, who emphasize the need to consider responsibility as a process influenced by many factors. Thus, the study of criminal liability through the prism of field theory enriches the understanding of this category, offering tools for the development of theoretical models and practical solutions. Research methodology
To achieve the goal of research and analysis of criminal liability as a dynamic category within the framework of Kurt Levin's field theory, a comprehensive methodology was used, including several approaches. The method of topological analysis of psychological phenomena developed by Kurt Levin is taken as a basis. This is Levin's author's method, which is based on the analysis of a person's psychological or "living" space. This method uses concepts and visual representations borrowed from mathematics (topology) to describe and understand the interactions of internal and external factors affecting behavior and the psyche. The main categories in the study in this approach are: - living space (a subjective model of the environment in which a person is located, including both real and imaginary elements, consists of a personality — internal states, needs, motives, and the environment — physical, social, emotional aspects); - a psychological field (a space in which forces influencing behavior act: driving (motivating), inhibiting (restraining), which can be depicted graphically, showing the directions and intensity of their action; - boundaries and barriers (boundaries – for example, norms, attitudes – affect the interaction between a person and the environment; barriers – physical, for example, walls or psychological: fears, beliefs) - tension (occurs as a result of an imbalance between the needs of the individual and the impact of the external environment); - zones and regions of living space that are more or less accessible to humans, depending on the forces acting in the field. The application of the topological method in psychology allows you to analyze the behavior of a subject in dynamics, model and predict the actions of an individual in various situations; describe internal and external conflicts arising from the collision of forces in the field (for example, between desire and prohibition); visualize the driving and inhibitory forces, helps explain why a person chooses this or that action. Kurt Levin's topological method is unique in that it offers an integrative approach to the study of human behavior, combining psychology, mathematics and philosophy. It allows you to better understand the dynamic processes occurring between a person and the environment, and effectively apply this knowledge in the analysis of criminal liability as a mental phenomenon. The descriptive method was used to describe criminal liability as a social and psychological phenomenon. The description includes an analysis of key concepts such as intrinsic motivation, social stigma, internalization of the norm and tension in the psychological field. This allowed us to set the basic characteristics of the category under study and create a context for subsequent analysis. The categorization method was used to systematize and structure data on criminal liability within the framework of field theory. Key elements, such as internal and external forces, the structure of the psychological field, the boundaries of the field and the mechanisms of its transformation, were highlighted and ordered. Categorization made it possible to identify the interaction of various factors that form the dynamics of responsibility. The conceptual analysis was used for theoretical understanding of the essence of criminal liability through the prism of field theory. Special attention is paid to the interrelationships between the internal motives of the individual, regulatory requirements and external influences. This allowed us to propose new interpretations of well-known concepts such as guilt, punishment and justice. The method of theoretical modeling was used to reconstruct the psychological field of personality in the context of a conflict between internal beliefs and external regulatory requirements. Using modeling, the mechanisms of field transformation under the influence of factors such as pressure from social norms, the threat of punishment and social stigma were identified. The created models make it possible to describe and predict the behavior of offenders. The analysis of the interaction of internal and external factors was used to study the dynamics of the psychological field, including the study of conflicts between internal motivations and external regulatory requirements. The analysis was based on the approaches of field theory, which allow us to consider personality as a system influenced by many forces. Consideration of such processes as the internalization of the norm and the influence of social stigma allows for a more complete understanding of the psychological aspects of criminal responsibility. The method of interpreting dynamic processes associated with changes in the psychological field of a person under the influence of criminal prosecution and sentencing includes an analysis of the influence of trust in social institutions on reducing tension in the field and the formation of legal awareness. The complex nature of the methods ensures the interdisciplinary nature of the research, contributing to an in-depth understanding of the dynamic processes associated with criminal liability.
II. Results of the work
1. Theoretical foundations of Kurt Levin's topological psychology
The concepts of "field", "force" and "tension" in psychology Kurt Levin defined human behavior as the result of the interaction of internal and external factors organized into a single system called the "psychological field" or "living space" [8]. The field includes all the elements that currently influence a person: motivation, cognitive processes, emotional state, as well as social and physical conditions. The key components of field theory are the concepts of force and stress. The force in the Levin field is a driving or inhibiting tendency aimed at achieving or avoiding certain goals. Tension occurs when the forces in the field are in a state of imbalance, causing motivation for actions aimed at restoring balance. For example, the conflict between internal desires and external regulatory requirements can generate a state of tension, which affects the choice and behavior of a person [7]. These concepts make possible a dynamic analysis of human behavior that takes into account the interaction of the subject and his environment as a continuous process. Thus, field theory becomes a universal tool for analyzing not only individual but also social processes.
The value of the boundaries of the field and the factors influencing its dynamics The boundaries of the psychological field determine the scope of the influence of external and internal factors on human behavior. They depend on many parameters, including the level of awareness, motivation and the degree of susceptibility to external influences [4]. Levin emphasized that the boundaries of the field can be dynamic and change under the influence of both internal transformations of the personality and changes in the environment. Factors affecting the dynamics of the field include: - Cognitive processes that shape the perception of external forces and internal motivations; - Emotional states that can enhance or weaken the action of forces in the field; - Social and regulatory expectations that create pressure that can transform the structure of the field [11]. For example, in the context of criminal liability, regulatory pressure in the form of a threat of punishment forms a certain force that affects a person, limiting her actions within the framework of the law. However, internal motives and cognitive processes can conflict with this pressure, causing a transformation of the field and increasing tension [2]. Field theory and its application in the analysis of personality behavior Field theory finds its application in the analysis of personality behavior in situations requiring choice and decision-making. Its versatility lies in its ability to explain dynamic processes that occur both at the individual level and in interpersonal or social interactions. In the context of criminal liability, field theory allows us to consider liability not only as a construct of a legal norm (for example, Articles 2, 5, 8, 43 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), but also as a process formed by the interaction of internal and external pressure. Acceptance or evasion of responsibility depends on the strength of internal motives, value orientations of the individual and his perception of external sanctions. The application of field theory to the analysis of criminal liability makes it possible: - Understand the mechanisms of resistance or acceptance of regulatory requirements; - To develop models that explain the behavior of subjects in the context of a conflict of motives; - To create psychological approaches aimed at correcting the behavior of offenders. Thus, Kurt Levin's field theory serves not only as a theoretical basis for analyzing complex social phenomena, but also offers practical tools for studying and solving them.
2. Criminal liability as a component of the psychological field
Criminal liability: between law and psychology Criminal liability is an important legal institution regulating the consequences of illegal acts for a person who has violated the law. In accordance with the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Article 43 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), criminal liability arises for the commission of a crime, and its goals are to restore social justice and protect the rule of law. In the legal context, criminal liability is based on the establishment of guilt and the application of appropriate penalties, which may include imprisonment, fines, correctional labor and other measures of influence. However, from a psychological point of view, criminal liability is a more complex phenomenon that is not limited only to legal consequences. It is also an internal process that includes awareness of guilt, a sense of fear of punishment, and moral and ethical experiences of the individual. The psychological aspect of criminal liability lies in the fact that a person is faced with the impact of both internal and external factors, which makes responsibility not only a legal, but also a deeply personal category. In the context of criminal liability, it is important to take into account how internal beliefs and external social requirements interact, which makes Kurt Levin's theory an effective tool for investigating this process.
The psychological field of personality under the influence of criminal prosecution The psychological field is a space in which the interactions of various forces that affect the behavior and perception of an individual take place. In the context of criminal prosecution, this field includes not only the personal characteristics and internal attitudes of the subject, but also external influences such as public condemnation, legal pressure and the threat of punishment. Under the influence of criminal prosecution, the internal field of personality is undergoing changes, as external forces such as legal sanctions and social pressure begin to dominate. Russian legislation, in particular articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (for example, Articles 60 and 61 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), regulates the conditions under which a person can be prosecuted and punished. The influence of these external forces on a person can be significant, leading to changes in the perception and behavior of the offender, as well as contributing to the acceptance or rejection of responsibility. The tension between internal value orientations and external regulatory requirements is becoming an important driving factor in behavior change. It is important to note that at the level of the psychological field of the individual, this pressure can lead to both an admission of guilt and its denial. The application of field theory in this context allows us to consider criminal prosecution as a multifaceted process in which external forces are involved and are able to transform internal ones, leading to a balance.
Conflict of forces within the field: internal motives vs. external regulatory requirements One of the central elements considered in Kurt Levin's theory is the conflict of forces resulting from the interaction of internal and external factors. In the context of criminal liability, this conflict manifests itself as a struggle between personal motives, internal beliefs and external requirements of the legal system and the social environment. From the inner side of the personality, these may be motives such as guilt, moral guidelines, the desire for self-preservation or the desire to avoid punishment. These forces can both support and weaken the acceptance of responsibility, depending on the individual's personal values, level of awareness and emotional maturity. It is important to note that internal motives may not always be consistent, but may change under the influence of external factors, which adds additional tension to the psychological field. This reflects theoretical approaches in the legal literature, for example, in the works of O. Sitkovskaya [10], which analyze the moral dilemmas that arise in offenders in the process of accepting responsibility. On the other hand, external regulatory requirements are social norms, laws and the threat of criminal punishment. The Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (for example, Articles 5, 6, 60 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) clearly prescribes the consequences for committing crimes, which serves as a powerful external regulator of personal behavior. These forces exert significant pressure on the behavior of the individual, and in the conflict of internal and external factors, psychological stress arises, which can lead to a change in behavior. The internalization of the external field by the internal field takes place and the legal consciousness of the individual is formed. Thus, the conflict between internal motives and external requirements is the main mechanism that shapes the behavior of a person in conditions of criminal responsibility. Field theory allows for a deeper understanding of how these forces interact and how they lead to changes in behavior, determining whether a person will be willing to take responsibility for their actions or will avoid it.
3. Dynamics of the field in the context of criminal liability
The field of crime: the interaction of subjects, circumstances and consequences Within the framework of Kurt Levin's field theory, the crime field can be considered as a dynamic system in which several factors interact: subjects (offenders, victims, human rights bodies), the circumstances of the crime and its consequences. Each of these elements has an impact on the perception of the situation and, accordingly, on the behavior of a person in the context of an offense. An important aspect is how these forces interact, creating tension in the field of crime, which manifests itself in the subject's decision on further actions — admission of guilt, resistance or evasion of responsibility. At the initial stage of interaction between the offender and society, the subjects of the offense face external forces, such as threats of criminal punishment, public condemnation and pressure from law enforcement agencies. At the same time, the internal forces of the individual, such as moral principles, fear of punishment, as well as personal circumstances (for example, motives for committing a crime) form the dynamics of the field. This conflict between external expectations and the offender's inner feelings is a key point that can lead to both guilt awareness and denial. These interactions can be illustrated through theoretical modeling, where the field of crime includes not only the act of crime itself, but also the subjective and objective forces influencing it, creating tension and opening the way for various behaviors. Studies by I. Bovina and A. Didenko [5, 6] confirm that motivation and internal psychological factors play a key role in the process of taking responsibility. The ability to take these factors into account as elements of the field, to model the living space, perception, behavior, decisions of the subject of responsibility could facilitate communication between law enforcement agencies (investigative bodies), subjects of justice and a person who has been criminally responsible. The transformation of the field at the sentencing When the court passes a guilty verdict, there is a significant transformation of the psychological field of the offender's personality. At this point, an external force — a legal institution — exerts the greatest influence, undermining the internal balance of forces in the field of personality. Admission of guilt or conviction, as well as the very perception of the verdict, are processes that have a significant impact on the personal attitudes of the convicted person. Violation of the harmony of forces within the psychological field can lead to changes in the perception of oneself, society and law enforcement agencies. This transformation is associated with changes in the structure of the psychological field as a result of new external factors. Criminal liability, as an external influence, comes into conflict with the internal forces of the individual, such as an inner sense of justice, awareness of the consequences and reaction to the social restrictions experienced. Fear of punishment, humiliation, attempts to avoid punishment or, conversely, admission of guilt can become catalysts for changing the psychological structure of the offender. In this context, the field of responsibility becomes more tense, with the predominance of external regulators — legal norms and social sanctions that change the perception of a person's role in society. Examples of such studies can be found in the works of O. Sitkovskaya [10], who examines the psychological changes of convicts in response to criminal prosecution.
The effect of social stigma and its impact on the structure of the field Social stigma is the process of condemnation of an individual by society, when his personality and actions begin to be perceived solely through the prism of the crime committed. This influence of external forces in the form of negative personality labeling can seriously change the psychological field of the offender, creating a new tension between the internal orientation of the personality and social stigma. Stigmatization can affect the convict's personal perception and behavior, exacerbating internal conflicts and reducing the ability to adapt to a social environment. This effect of external factors (for example, social condemnation) and internal factors (guilt, shame, loss of social identity) leads to a change in the structure of the psychological field. It is important to note that the effect of social stigma can both strengthen and weaken the offender's resistance to taking responsibility, depending on how he perceives his place in society after conviction. Stigma affects the dynamics of the field, leading to its transformation and a change in the interaction of internal and external forces in the context of criminal responsibility, as shown in the collective work of I. Bovina and B. Bovina [5]. In contrast to stigma, one of the factors that can transform the field of the subject of responsibility is the so-called "social forgiveness", when field tension can be reduced by postulating the possibility for each convict to fully return to social ties, professional and personal life, which he lived before he was subjected to criminal prosecution. It is advisable to apply stigmatization to the illegal act itself, and not to the individual as a whole. This corresponds to humane treatment of convicts in the context of human rights and respect for their human dignity. Forgiveness in the context of criminal law is considered in the context of the possibility of amnesty. Forgiveness can also be considered in connection with a sincere confession (repentance) according to Article 61 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, listing mitigating circumstances. However, it is advisable to pay more attention to the issue of "forgiveness" in society and further psychological adaptation and rehabilitation in both theoretical and empirical studies. A topological method for investigating forgiveness to persons who have suffered criminal liability could significantly reduce the severity of stigmatization of convicts. Forgiveness and return to a full life, acceptance of the convicted person as a full-fledged member of society, as an external field force can lead to the emergence of such an internal field force as trust in society and the law. The individual's trust in the law and the possibility of "social forgiveness" together lead to a state of balance of power in the field of an individual who has been criminally responsible. This state of balance can be called a high level of legal awareness [2].
4. Discussion of the results
4.1. Practical application of field theory for the development of methods of rehabilitation of offenders The topological method in the study of criminal responsibility helps to integrate the norm of the criminal law and the state of the individual's psyche into a single "living space". This approach has not been used before either in criminal law or in legal psychology. This perspective allows us to comprehensively cover all the factors affecting both the well-being of the individual and the formation of civil society as a whole. Kurt Levin's field theory provides promising tools for the development of rehabilitation programs aimed at awareness and acceptance of responsibility by offenders. According to this theory, the rehabilitation process can be considered as a transformation of the psychological field, where both internal forces (for example, personal motivation, value orientations) and external forces (social support, the possibility of forgiveness, the influence of rehabilitation programs) play an important role. Rehabilitation can be more successful if it is based on a change in the structure of the field, including the weakening of negative external forces (such as stigmatization) and the strengthening of positive factors (social forgiveness, support from society and especially close people, the help of psychologists and social workers). N. A. Didenko's research [6] confirms that successful rehabilitation requires taking into account both the personal characteristics of offenders and the social context of their actions. In this regard, the field approach allows for a deeper understanding of what forces determine an individual's behavior and how these forces can be redirected in a constructive direction. 4.2. Application of field theory to analyze motives and prevent relapses Theoretical modeling of the field approach can be useful for analyzing the motives of offenders and preventing repeat crimes. The concept of interaction between internal and external forces helps to identify which factors increase the risk of relapse, for example, the negative impact of the social environment, insufficient integration into society or internal conflicts. The application of field theory allows us to propose measures aimed at reducing tension within the field of responsibility, such as relapse prevention programs that take into account the motivational aspects of personality. For example, E. Arutyunov's research [2] indicates the importance of working with personal conflicts, which increase the tendency to repeat crimes. The field approach can also be useful for identifying "stress points" in the offender's life where the risk of recurrence of criminal behavior is high, and for developing measures to reduce this stress. 4.3. Prospects for an interdisciplinary approach in criminal justice The field approach opens up prospects for interdisciplinary analysis combining psychology, law, sociology, and communication studies. For example, using the field concept can help develop programs that combine legal and psychological methods of influence. Taking into account the dynamics of the psychological field can be especially useful in working with convicts aimed at forming their conscious attitude to criminal responsibility and reducing social stigma. In addition, field theory can be integrated into modern criminal justice practices such as restorative justice. This area focuses on reducing tension between the offender, victims and society, which in turn contributes to the reintegration of convicts. O. Sitkovskaya's research [10] emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for the successful prevention of relapses, especially through the creation of social support and psychological and legal rehabilitation mechanisms. Kurt Levin's field approach provides unique opportunities for analysis and practical solutions to the problems of criminal liability. Its application in rehabilitation, recidivism prevention and interdisciplinary interaction allows us to develop more effective and humanistic methods of working with offenders. These perspectives require further study and empirical verification, which opens up new horizons for the application of psychology in the field of criminal law.
III. Conclusions The conducted research made it possible to theoretically substantiate criminal liability as a dynamic category arising in the psychological field of a personality, and to identify the key mechanisms of its formation through the interaction of internal and external factors. The main conclusions of the study are as follows: 1. Kurt Levin's field theory as an analysis tool Field theory allows us to consider criminal liability not only as a legal category, but also as a psychological process caused by the interaction of internal motives, personal orientations and external regulatory requirements. This approach makes it possible to dynamically model the behavior of a person in conditions of legal restrictions and social expectations. 2. The psychological field of criminal responsibility Criminal liability is formed and develops in conditions of constant conflict of forces, including internal beliefs, fear of punishment, feelings of guilt and external regulatory pressure. This interaction creates tension that can lead either to accepting responsibility or to shirking it, depending on the dominant factors in the field. The view of the external norm as a force of the field that comes into conflict with personal cognitions and emotions, the motives of an individual helps to regulate behavior through rethinking the norm and its internalization. In the light of field theory, the social norm and responsibility for its violation can be perceived as a way to achieve harmony and resonance with society, and not as an imposed pattern of behavior that breaks internal personal guidelines, suppressing and destroying internal forces factor. As a result of rethinking, the field tension subsides and a high legal awareness is formed. An increase in subjective trust in the social norm and in social institutions in general can serve as a way to reduce tension in the individual's field. 3. The practical significance of the field analysis of criminal liability The application of field theory in legal psychology opens up prospects for the creation of innovative programs for the rehabilitation of offenders, the prevention of recidivism and the reduction of social stigma. Modeling the psychological field of a personality allows you to develop individual and collective strategies for working with offenders. The study showed that the transformation of the psychological field is possible through strengthening internal motives and weakening the influence of negative external factors such as stigma. Rehabilitation programs that take into account field dynamics can increase legal awareness and reduce the likelihood of relapse. 4. Interdisciplinary approach The use of field theory contributes to the integration of psychological, legal and social knowledge. This opens up new opportunities for research aimed at deepening the understanding of human behavior in a legal context, as well as for developing more effective and humane methods of interacting with offenders. Thus, the integration of Kurt Levin's field theory and legal concepts of responsibility makes it possible not only to rethink its essence, but also to enrich practical approaches in criminal justice. The prospects for further research include empirical verification of the proposed models and the development of recommendations for their practical application in legal and social practice. 5. The growth of legal awareness and the strengthening of the rule of law The results of the study confirm the importance of Kurt Levin's field theory as a tool for analyzing criminal liability, which makes it possible to consider it not only as a legal, but also as a dynamic psychological process. Criminal liability is formed in the interaction of external regulatory requirements and internal motives of the individual, while the balance of these forces becomes a key aspect. One of the most important external forces influencing the psychological field of an individual is "forgiveness from society." This process includes a signal about the possibility of rehabilitation and a return to a full life without stigmatization. Such a signal reduces the tension within the personality field, contributing to its transformation into a constructive channel. Forgiveness gives convicts the opportunity not only to realize their mistakes, but also to feel the support of society, which is a powerful incentive for personal changes and the formation of a sense of justice. Among the internal forces, the central place is occupied by the individual's trust in the legal norm as a fair regulator. The internalization of norms, a process in which external demands turn into internal motives, makes it possible to weaken the conflict between society's expectations and personal beliefs. This, in turn, creates conditions for increasing awareness and responsibility. The application of field theory in rehabilitation programs for offenders confirms its practical value. Taking into account the interaction of internal and external factors in the psychological field makes it possible to develop more effective strategies for the prevention of recidivism and the social integration of convicts. Thus, the study emphasizes that the combination of legal and psychological approaches based on field theory creates new horizons for law enforcement practice, making it more humane and focused on restoring social ties. References
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2. Arutyunova, E. (2018). Legal Awareness and Legal Culture of the Personality in Russia. Monograph. Moscow: Publishing Solutions. 3. Bandura, A. (1997). Social Learning Theory. Translated from English. Moscow: Eurasia Publishing House. 4. Bekhterev, A. (1921). Collective Reflexology. Petrograd: Kolos. 5. Bovina, I. B., & Bovin, B. G. (2013). Stigmatization: Social-Psychological Aspects. In Psychology and Law, 3, 34-39. 6. Didenko, A. (2013). Medical and Psychological Rehabilitation of Convicts. In Pedagogy, Psychology, and Law: Materials of the Interregional Scientific-Practical Conference. Issue 1, pp. 101-106. Tomsk: Tomsk State Pedagogical University Publishing. 7. Deutsch, M. (1997). Conflict Resolution: Constructive and Destructive Processes. In Socio-Political Journal, 1, 202-212. 8. Lewin, K. (2001). A Dynamic Theory of Personality – Selected Papers. Moscow: Smysl. 9. Lewin, K. (2010). Field Theory in Social Sciences. Moscow: Progress. 10. Sitkovskaya, O. (1996). Psychological Foundations of Criminal Responsibility. Moscow. 11. Fromm, E. (2023) Escape from Freedom. Translated from English. Moscow: AST.
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