Theories of Desistance

Question 1

What is Desistance?

Answer 1

Refraining from committing crime. abstinence

Question 2

Types of Desistance

Answer 2

Primary
Secondary
Tertiary

Question 3

Primary Desistance

Answer 3

cessation from offending

Question 4

Secondary Desistance

Answer 4

adoption of a non-offending identity

Question 5

Tertiary desistance

Answer 5

recognition by others that one has changed, along with a sense of belonging

Question 6

Factors found to be related to desistance (S&L, 1993)

Answer 6

1. Stable relationships, families
2. Stable employment
3. Move away from same-age same-gender peers
4. feelings of responsibility, hope and self-efficacy
5. increasing concern for others e.g children
6. experience of CJS

Question 7

what does Contemporary desistance theory recognise

Answer 7

internal and external factors

Question 8

Main contemporary desistance theory

Answer 8

Maruna (2001)
Giordano et al. (2002)
S&L (2003)

Question 9

Pains of desistance

Answer 9

social isolation
fear of failure
lack of acceptance for new pro-social idenity from others
lack of community acceptance long term

Question 10

Internal Factors

Answer 10

include:
decision to stop
change in identity
self-determination

Question 11

external factors

Answer 11

include:
employment
marriage and relationships
peers
formal and informal support