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Empirical Framework for Studying Desistance as a Process

NCJ Number
220389
Journal
Criminology Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 491-513
Author(s)
Shawn D. Bushway; Alex R. Piquero; Lisa M. Broidy; Elizabeth Cauffman; Paul Mazerolle
Date Published
2001
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article proposes a framework for empirical research that recognizes desistance as a developmental process, not as a discrete state.
Abstract
The conceptualization of desistance as a process is an important recent development in criminological theory. This article set out to identify an empirical approach that models the process of change over time explicitly, and provide an example of how the richness of information available in this model can be used to both identify and explore the causal process or processes that may be partly responsible for desistance. The modeling strategy or approach focuses on changes in the offending rate rather than on offending itself. It allows researchers to trace patterns of individual offending behavior across age and to explore the developmental dynamics that generate change or stability in such behavior. A statistical model for implementing this approach is described, as well as an empirical example is provided. The article concludes with several suggestions for future research endeavors that arise from this conceptualization of desistance. Recent reviews of the desistance literature have advocated studying desistance as a process, yet current empirical methods continue to measure desistance as a discrete state. This article proposes a framework for empirical research, recognizing desistance as a developmental process. Figure, references

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