Pathways to and from Criminality in the Lives of Persistent Male Offenders

• In Event: Biosocial and Psychological Perspectives on Serious Criminal Offending

Abstract

This paper overviews results from a qualitative study designed to investigate important turning points/solidifying events in criminal careers, the impact of correctional and volunteer-based programs on change processes, and the role of interpersonal relationships in these processes. To probe these issues, semi-structured interviews based on McAdams’ (1994) Life History narrative protocol were conducted with a sample (n=12) of persistent male offenders in British Columbia, Canada. Key themes presented in this paper include abuse and neglect; distrust and contempt; outside forces as catalysts for change; the role of programs in processes of change; and generativity. The core category in this paper is the importance of interpersonal relationships in the change and maintenance of offending behaviour and in the experience of rehabilitative programs. This paper provides further support for the movement toward integrating social and psychological theories of desistance and correctional intervention.

Author

• Damon Petrich, Simon Fraser University