The role of transformation narratives in desistance among released lifers

Research on desistance emphasizes the importance of the transformation narrative, in which the individual has replaced his old, criminal self with a new, law-abiding self. Key elements of the transformation narrative are generative motivations, the core self, and a sense of agency. Thus far, it is n...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor principal: Liem, Marieke 1982- (Autor)
Otros Autores: Richardson, Nicholas J.
Tipo de documento: Electrónico Artículo
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2014
En: Criminal justice and behavior
Año: 2014, Volumen: 41, Número: 6, Páginas: 692-712
Acceso en línea: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Sumario:Research on desistance emphasizes the importance of the transformation narrative, in which the individual has replaced his old, criminal self with a new, law-abiding self. Key elements of the transformation narrative are generative motivations, the core self, and a sense of agency. Thus far, it is not known what role these elements play in desistance among released lifers. To fill this caveat, we conducted in-depth life interviews with 67 individuals who had served a life sentence. Almost all interviewees presented a transformation narrative that included a good core self and generative motivations, including those who persisted in criminal behavior. We found that individual agency was a key factor distinguishing the paroled lifers from the re-incarcerated lifers. Findings suggest that rather than learning to present a transformation narrative focused on reflecting a good core self and generative motivations, (post-)prison programs should focus on restoring agency to ensure successful re-entry.
ISSN:1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854813515445