Abstract
Large-scale, longitudinal studies have identified important correlates of desistance, but, due to the nature of the inquiry, are limited in their ability to describe the mechanisms by which desistance occurs. For this type of explanation, more detailed and nuanced studies of desistance experiences and the meanings applied to them must be conducted. At this time, some of the most promising studies on the mechanisms of desistance are qualitative. They are commonly based upon retrospective narratives focused on the inter- and intrapersonal dynamics of desistance and on life circumstances. This chapter describes recent qualitative studies of desistance with a particular emphasis on how individuals change from offending to sustained, non-offending.
Twenty-nine recent studies were identified. The collection of studies represents a wide variety of samples with different research questions and definitions, and different study designs. Collectively, however, the studies show remarkable consistency in their results. The studies are divided into common groupings to allow the reader to compare and contrast similarly focused studies. Beginning with comprehensive studies, the sections include social structural issues, cognitions and identity transformation, relationships, and spirituality. Several studies focus on narrow populations, including the young, women (including female/male contrasts and women-only studies), and minority men. The section concludes with descriptions of studies of programs and practices on desistance.
The qualitative summaries confirmed the findings of existing research evidence on desistance, and shed light on processes and mechanisms that often go unexamined in quantitative research on desistance—agency/motivation and the psychological reorientation and reevaluation of relationships and life events. The themes identified in these summaries highlight a number of factors that, as reported by the research participants and observations of others, contribute to desistance—stable, meaningful, committed relationships (particularly with intimate partners and children); motivations and commitment to change; valued social roles and pro-social, structured activities; and psychological reorientation and reevaluation of criminal acts.