The Other Side of Deprivation A Field Study of a Sample of University Students

Abstract

This study examines the other side of deprivation by investigating the relationship between deprivation and creativity, innovation, and academic excellence among university students. It also explores the nature of the association between these variables and seeks to identify how deprivation contributes to delinquency, criminal behaviour, and behavioural deviance. Furthermore, the study examines the psychological, social, and economic dimensions of deprivation, as well as the factors leading to it and its resulting consequences. The study focused on university students according to gender and academic achievement level. A descriptive-analytical approach was employed, and a questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and established measurement scales to investigate the relationship between deprivation, creativity, innovation, and academic excellence. The questionnaire consisted of 15 items and was administered to a sample of 50 university students.

The findings revealed the following:

1. Deprivation may stimulate creativity, innovation, and academic excellence in the present time by increasing individuals’ motivation to seek appropriate employment opportunities and overcome deprivation.
2. The analysis indicated that young people constitute the group most affected by deprivation, particularly emotional deprivation.
3. Individuals suffering from poor economic conditions are more likely to engage in delinquent and criminal behaviour.
4. Feelings of neglect by parents have a significant negative impact on individuals, while family-related problems contribute substantially to behavioural deviance and socially unacceptable conduct.
5. Psychological factors and the adverse effects associated with deprivation are among the most influential determinants affecting individuals’ lives and may lead to delinquency and criminal behaviour.