Grounded theory of shame in offending behavior change groups.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An abbreviated grounded theory approach looking at the process of how shame is experienced and influenced by behaviour change groups for male offenders in a secure forensic setting.
IRAS ID
348171
Contact name
Alyssa Dalby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Shame is an important factor for people who have committed a crime. It has been found to impact their motivation and ability to change during offending behavior treatment and rehabilitation.
This research project aims to explore and understand this further by asking questions of people who have offended about their experience of shame in the context of groups they have attended with an aim to supporting them to change their offending behaviors. Information learned by taking to those taking part will be used to form an explanation of shame and it's presentation and function in the context.
The research aims to answer the following questions
• What influences the process and experience of how males in forensic settings experience shame in general?• How does shame operate in the context of being invited to and participating in behaviour change groups
• What are the consequences of how shame is experienced in a behavioural change group?
• How if at all does the individual experience of shame change in the context of being invited to and participating in behaviour change groups?
• Does shame influence participants decisions about whether to take part in a behaviour change group and if so, how?
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0056
Date of REC Opinion
21 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion