The following master thesis examines the perception of the prevailing social climate in
a residential care and the emergence of feelings of loneliness through the eyes of
adolescents living in residential care. In the theoretical part of the thesis, institutional
education for children and adolescents with difficulties in social integration is
addressed, along with the increasingly used term professional centres. In this section,
various forms of assistance provided by these centres are distinguished, with a
particular focus on a more detailed definition of residential care. The explanation of
placement in a professional center is presented, including the differentiation of the roles
of the courts and social work centres. The specificity of the population involved in
institutional education is defined, and the characteristics of individuals with difficulties
in social integration are outlined. The period of adolescence is described, which is
linked to the previously introduced term loneliness. Characteristics, reasons, and
consequences of loneliness in adolescence are discussed. Loneliness is also
associated with the term social climate, which is independently introduced prior. Finally,
the social climate within institutional education is described, with additional attention
given to the importance of formed relationships.
The main purpose of the research presented in the empirical part is to examine the
characteristics of the living conditions of placed adolescents. The study delves into
understanding their perspective, as they offer firsthand insights into the issues. The
question arises of how placed adolescents perceive the social climate in their group,
what their relationships are like, and how they influence it. The study explores the
interpersonal relationships that adolescents establish during placement. The question
is also posed about the reasons for the development of loneliness, how often placed
adolescents feel it, and how it is connected to the social climate. Answers to these
questions were obtained through the conduct of two focus groups. The results were
analyzed using qualitative content analysis, applying an inductive approach.
The obtained results relate to the opinions of adolescents and highlight the importance
of the established social climate, as it plays a significant role in individuals' well-being.
The residential groups were extensively explored based on established interpersonal
relationships and group dynamics. Adolescents from one group mostly highlighted
negative aspects, while those from the other group emphasized positive aspects most
of the time. In the group where unstable interpersonal relationships were formed, and
group dynamics were perceived as more negative, the prevailing social climate was
negative, and feelings of loneliness occurred more frequently. Various elements
influence the group's social climate, such as interpersonal relationships, group
structure, dynamics, rules and penalties, and conflicts. The more negative the
perception of these elements, the greater the possibility of a prevailing negative climate
in the group. With a negative social climate, the chances of developing feelings of
loneliness also increase. The data collection process revealed numerous factors that,
according to placed adolescents, could contribute to a positive social climate.
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