Doing justice to desistance narratives: developing the Desistance Identity Tool

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of the Desistance Identity Tool (DIT), a novel instrument designed to capture key themes from self-narrative scripts associated with identity transformation during the early stages of desistance (Maruna, 2001; King, 2013; Kazemian, 2019). It integrates the theoretical framework of desistance identity with psychological risk assessment, acknowledging the growing evidence base that highlights the central role of narrative and identity transformation in the desistance journey (Maruna, 2001; King, 2013; Stone, 2016; Wigzell, 2021; Villman, 2024).

The research comprises four interconnected studies, following best practice in scale development and employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies (Carpenter, 2018; Graham et, al. 2025). Guided by a participatory ethos (Meyer, 2010), the research was conducted with individuals, valuing their lived experiences and insights, rather than on them, in alignment with inclusive and collaborative research principles (Yarbrough, 2020). The feedback from participants, including individuals in custody and professionals working within the criminal justice system, was instrumental in shaping the tool. The research findings suggest that the psychological ‘pains’ of risk assessment could be mitigated by placing greater emphasis on exploring and supporting desistance narratives within criminal justice practice (Crewe, 2011; Warr, 2020; Phillips et. al., 2025).

The resulting tool (the DIT) aims to provide a practical and accessible means of eliciting desistance narrative scripts. Designed as a ‘conversation starter’ using familiar and accessible language, with supporting guidance, the tool enables justice professionals to engage in identity focused conversations with individuals in custody. Its use in the criminal justice setting has the potential to contribute to a more holistic understanding of risk and to alleviate some of the burdens associated with traditional assessment practices, particularly in facilitating a deeper and more collaborative understanding of the importance of identity transformation in the journey towards desistance. Furthermore, the tool may serve as a proxy indicator of positive identity development and desistance signalling within custodial environments rather than focusing on longer-term, behavioural measures of success such as reoffending (Kazemian, 2019; Bushway & Apel, 2012).

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2031.

Date of Award	Jul 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	HM Prison Service
Supervisor	Shadd Maruna (Supervisor), Michelle Butler (Supervisor) & Colm Walsh (Supervisor)