Doing time after time: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of reformed ex-prisoners' experiences of self-change,identity and career opportunities |
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| Authors: | Andreas Aresti Virginia Eatough Belinda Brooks-Gordon |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Psychology, Birkbeck , University of London , Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX, UK a.aresti@bbk.ac.uk;3. School of Psychology, Birkbeck , University of London , Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX, UK |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The study of desistance from crime has generated a wealth of research in the last few decades. Despite the many barriers ex-prisoners face when attempting to ‘go straight’ many successfully lead law-abiding lives. Two key features identified in criminal desistance are a shift to a pro-social identity and worthwhile employment or the development of a new career path. There is, however, little psychological knowledge available on reformed offenders' experiences of self-change. This study focuses on ex-prisoners' experiences of employment and career opportunities. Five male reformed offenders took part in semi-structured interviews. Data collected was subjected to an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants demonstrated that desistance involves a shift to a pro-social identity and that self-change was a positive experience. An important aspect to emerge was the conflict experienced by the label ‘ex-offender’, which had a contradictory influence on the men's sense of self. |
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| Keywords: | desistance labelling prisoner role conflict social isolation |
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