Circles of support and accountability: the role of social support in preventing sexual offender recidivism

Farrington, Paul (2015). Circles of support and accountability: the role of social support in preventing sexual offender recidivism. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis aims to further this research base while focussing primarily on the Circle of Support and Accountability (CoSA) programme; one of the key programmes which helps utilise community support towards released sexual offenders as a means of reducing reoffending and aiding successful reintegration of the offender into society.

A systematic literature review is presented which looks at the efficacy of social support as a means of reducing rates of reoffending. The review identifies eight studies which lend support to this notion, with four CoSA studies from around the world, showing strong support for their efficacy in this area. A research chapter looks at the experiences of the volunteers for CoSA looking at the successes and the difficulties within the programme. Volunteers were also assessed in relation to their own social support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The MSPSS was assessed for its validity as a psychometric measure of social support and was found to demonstrate good levels of reliability and validity and was deemed a suitable psychometric measure choice for the research. These findings are discussed in relation to their implication on current theoretical and practical links as well as making recommendations for future research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):