Prosocial potentials in children and adolescents who abandoned illegal armed groups in Colombia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand prosocial capabilities in unlinked children and teenagers from illegal armed groups and to reflect over the challenges that propose prosociality as a generative category in psychosocial research in order to contribute to the Colombian peace process. We worked with 25 unlinked children and teenagers from illegal armed groups and used a qualitative perspective. It was found that despite psychosocial vulnerability, it is also possible to find capabilities to build solidarity bonds, sensitivity over other´s welfare, guilt and regret. One of the challenges for social sciences and the reinstatement policies in Colombia it is to go far and beyond of psychological determinism, social dogma and other epistemologies. In that sense, it is necessary to establish generative speeches to be able to promote social transformation and policies that welcome a pluralistic dialogue.