How do young people understand what helps them to stop offending?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Experience and Perspectives of Young People on Factors Influencing Desistance from Offending – An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
336245
Contact name
Karen McKeown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Current understandings from those with lived experience about meaningful factors that might contribute to or discourage desistance from offending in young people (YP) with mental health difficulties at risk of serious offending is limited. By hearing how they make sense of their experiences, we can not only uncover effective support mechanisms for their journey to desistance but also gain broader insights into their priorities as well as motivations for leading a fulfilling life. Unlike studies examining factors influencing desistance in adult populations, studies with adult participants reflecting on their experience as a YP and YP without identified mental health difficulties, there is a notable gap in research that considers the viewpoints of YP with complex mental health difficulties. The application of adult-oriented desistance theories might not be fully applicable to the distinct values of YP. Additionally, valuable insights can be gleaned from YP participating in desistance-focused interventions. The study aims to look at the experiences of young people with complex mental health difficulties who offend. We want to know their understanding of what helps them to move away from offending and what role mental health support plays in this. This study stands to provide a voice to a marginalised group of YP by attempting to make sense of their experiences as well as future aspirations whilst also informing clinical and social care practice on how best to support this population as well as service development.
Summary of Results
Plain Language Summary Title How do young people understand what helps them to stop offending?
Background
Young people (YP) who commit serious offences often have many vulnerabilities. These YP often have higher rates of mental health disorders than the general youth population. Specialist services for YP have been set up in the UK to support them to achieve “desistance”. This is the process of moving away from offending. However, we do not fully understand why YP desist from offending as research has largely focused on the adult population. Some research has suggested that personal growth or supportive relationships may support YP, however, this research overlooks the role of their mental health difficulties.
Aims
This study explores how YP view desistance, including what helps or hinders this process, and how they make sense of the approaches used to support them in stopping offending.
Methods
Six young people, selected by FCAMHS workers, took part in this study. They were given information about the study and gave verbal and written consent. The YP, one female and five males, were aged between 14 and 17 years old. Four were in the community, and two lived in a secure care facility. Each YP met with the researcher for 25 to 38 minutes. One YP was Mixed Ethnicity, and the rest were White Scottish. An approach called Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. This six-step process was used to make sense of the YP’s experiences.
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Main Findings and Conclusions
Three main themes were found. These were that the Journey to Desistance is Complex and Nonlinear, Relationships Matter, and Coping and Support. Each theme was broken down into smaller sub-themes to better capture YP’s experiences.
YP understand desistance as a process that takes time and involves personal, social and structural factors. YP thought that mental health was important when considering desistance and that the emotional costs of offending pushed them towards stopping offending. YP valued a supportive and nurturing approach from professionals in addition to an open space to discuss their difficulties.
This study shows the importance of tailored support for young people involved in offending. Services could benefit from focusing on mental health, family relationships and trust-based professional care. YP should be helped to build routines, address setbacks and repair relationships.
Future research should look to further understand these findings by including more young people. It would be interesting to explore how different types of YP who offend understand desistance.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
24/SS/0034
Date of REC Opinion
15 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion