The Turning Point of Life: the Process of Crime Desistance

• Main Authors: LIU, YI-HSIN, 劉怡欣
• Other Authors: JOU, SU-SYAN
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/70372662594367378334

碩士 === 國立臺北大學 === 犯罪學研究所 === 99 === In the past, the field of criminology limited the scope of research to the origins of crime and recidivism prediction, using individual and external structural variables as indices for analyses and investigations. Few studies, however, were carried out with regard to individual cognitive state or social support in the desistance of crime and factors and course of recidivism. This study will employ philosophies of both criminology and psychology, from the standpoint of psychological resilience, in the analysis of the interaction between individual cognitive states and social support programs, with the aim of providing pivotal recommendations for the positive correction of convicts. This study uses the official definition of ex-convicts not relapsing into crime for a period of five years as a standard. Subject choices involved intermediaries and invited New-Life individuals who had, by objective definition, committed a recorded crime within five years. Convenience sampling was taken, with qualitative interviews carried out with successful New-Lifers and individuals critical for their achievement. Through these interviews, we hope to understand how external protective factors and social support systems worked during the New-Life program. With the introduction of friends and relatives, the study carried out face-to-face interviews with five ex-offenders in drug related crimes in the New-Life program and two critical individuals, so a total of seven interviews. The research found, via the interviews, that the five New-Lifers relapsed into criminal behavior as a result of an inadequate support system and unhealthy family or peer environment; cognitive deficiencies or distortions were identified, which produced ineffective problem solving strategies. With the strengthening of social support systems (including restoring relationship with family members, transitioning into a functional role with authority and positive restoration of family structure through important family events; support is also provided by religious workers, teachers, peers and friends according to religious tenets regardless of family ties) and cognitive transformation (a result of going through important crossroads of life, psychological maturation, acquiring new information, guidance provided by others and changes to the environment), New-Lifers were able to use their personal willpower to rein in their biased mindsets and abandon their once-criminal lifestyles to build a healthy internal and external connection with society. In a portion of the cases, family not only acted as a source of motivation but was also a potential risk factor. The motivation to continue with the New-Life program was dependent on the social workers’ professional background and whether the support provided can be sustained for extended periods of time. Additionally, with the individuals undergoing cognitive maturation that came with relevant increase in introspection abilities, the New-Lifers would also be equipped with greater rationality and a mindset in agreement with social norms and ethics. Gradual development and transformation in tasks and duties bring about relevant changes in body and mind. All of these are critical elements which would help the individual to desist in negativism and encourage a cognitive transformation.