Psychological Criteria of Convict Correction: Development Possibilities and Implementation Problems

the article presents a theoretical analysis of the available scientific developments on the relevance of applying psychological criteria of convict correction. Purpose: on the basis of theoretical analysis of scientific literature and earlier studies to systematize psychological criteria of correction of convicts and to further analyze the problem of their implementation. Methods: during the study of psychological criteria of correction of convicts, methods of theoretical research (analytical, axiomatic, formalization, etc.), as well as analysis of scientific sources, are used. Results: theoretical and methodological analysis of scientific developments on the relevance of applying psychological criteria of convict correction is carried out. Conclusion: at present the problem of development and application of psychological criteria for assessing the degree of correction of convicts is one of the most urgent in penitentiary science. They should be as accurate as possible and take into account not only positive behavior of the convict, but also a set of other factors that complement the general characteristic of his/her personality, such as presence of socially useful ties, living conditions after release, employment, etc. The authors emphasize the increasing role of psychological measures (taking into account scientifically based psychological criteria for assessing correction of convicts) in cooperation with various departments and services of the correctional institution, public and other social institutions and organizations. In this regard, psychological criteria of convict correction serve as a kind of indicators (markers) that contribute to a more complete understanding of the convict’s personality and a targeted response of the assisting specialist using psychological and pedagogical measures of influence in pre-penitentiary, penitentiary and post-penitentiary periods.