Mechanisms of Psychological Protection of Personality during Stigmatization of Sexual Criminals
The features of stigmatization of sex offenders depending on the mechanisms of psychological protection of the individual are considered. The interrelations between the psychological defence of the individual and his tendency to stigma are substantiated and proved. The tendency to distance from criminals arises as a limitation of the risks of social interaction. The mechanism of psychological defence distorts attitude and behavioural reactions in a special way. The features of the perception of the situation of a sexual crime by individuals are analysed depending on their propensity for certain psychological defence mechanisms. The high level of stigma for sex offenders is proved. The negative perception context of criminals increases depending on the type of crime. The article identified specific manifestations of stigma among students and graduate students on the basis of age, as well as gender-specific stigma.