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Journal article : Review

Risk factors for recidivism in individuals receiving community sentences: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract:

Objective. We aimed to systematically review risk factors for criminal recidivism in individuals given community sentences.

Methods. We searched seven bibliographic databases and additionally conducted targeted searches for studies that investigated risk factors for any repeat offending in individuals who had received community (non-custodial) sentences. We included investigations that reported data on at least one risk factor and allowed calculations of odds ratios (ORs). If a similar risk factor was reported in three or more primary studies, they were grouped into domains, and pooled ORs were calculated.

Results. We identified 15 studies from 5 countries, which reported data on 14 independent samples and 246,608 individuals. We found that several dynamic (modifiable) risk factors were associated with criminal recidivism in community-sentenced populations, including mental health needs (OR = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–1.6), substance misuse (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.9), association with antisocial peers (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.7), employment problems (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5), marital status (OR = 1.6, 95%: 1.4–1.8), and low income (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4). The strength of these associations was comparable to that of static (non-modifiable) risk factors, such as age, gender, and criminal history.

Conclusion. Assessing dynamic (modifiable) risk factors should be considered in all individuals given community sentences. The further integration of mental health, substance misuse, and criminal justice services may reduce reoffending risk in community-sentenced populations.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1017/S1092852919001056

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Psychiatry
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-4936-2857
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Psychiatry
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-5383-5365



Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Journal:
CNS Spectrums More from this journal
Volume:
25
Issue:
2
Pages:
252-263
Publication date:
2019-06-20
Acceptance date:
2019-06-20
DOI:
EISSN:
2165-6509
ISSN:
1092-8529
Pmid:
31218975


Language:
English
Keywords:
Subtype:
Review
Pubs id:
1028514
Local pid:
pubs:1028514
Deposit date:
2020-05-12

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