Document Type : Research
Authors
1
PhD in Sociology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2
M.Sc. in General Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
In addition to the exorbitant economic costs imposed on society, incarceration of offenders has deleterious effects on the individual’s psychological, social, economic, and familial status, thereby giving rise to a raft of new social issues. Consequently, one of the primary objectives of punishment is the rehabilitation of offenders to prevent re-offending. As a manifestation of social harm, recidivism has elicited diverse responses from societies. This study aims to investigate the factors underpinning recidivism in Iran. The research method employed is a meta-analysis. The statistical population comprises studies on recidivism and return to prison in Iran published between 2005 and 2021. Sampling was based on relevance, suitability, and eligibility (purposive sampling). Accordingly, 37 studies were selected for analysis. After coding, data analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA2). The findings suggest that the most important variables affecting recidivism and return to prison in Iran are as follows: economic factors (0.42), family factors (0.39), social factors (-0.37), psychological factors (0.32), physical-environmental factors (0.31), post-release care factors (-0.30), cultural factors (-0.27), identity factors (0.11), and demographic factors (-0.3). In this regard, key strategies for preventing recidivism and return to prison include providing employment opportunities and facilities for those previously convicted of crimes, providing empowerment and educational programs for offenders, delivering post-release services (financial support, housing, health and psychological services, as well as job opportunities), improving prison conditions, and setting up a favorable environment for empowering prisoners.
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