An integrative approach to apprehend desistance

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Theories of criminal desistance are debated.
• Understanding the process of desistance is crucial for criminal justice.
• Existing theories may not fully capture the complexity of desistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Archer's morphogenic approach for studying desistance from crime.
• To demonstrate the utility of this approach by applying it to empirical data.
• To consolidate existing knowledge on desistance and discuss implications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing desistance theories.
• Qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews.
• Empirical data collected from 29 men who desisted from crime in Eastern Canada.

Main Results:

• Archer's morphogenic approach provides a framework for understanding desistance.
• The approach integrates diverse theoretical perspectives on desistance.
• Empirical evidence supports the applicability of the morphogenic approach.

Conclusions:

• The morphogenic approach offers a valuable lens for studying criminal desistance.
• This approach can help reconcile and advance existing desistance theories.
• Findings have implications for both theoretical development and practical interventions in criminal justice.