A Case Study on Recidivism in Indonesia: Understanding the Role of Inadequate Self-Control

Abstract

Recidivism is a phenomenon caused and influenced by a multitude of factors. In this study, we interviewed four former prisoners who received parole and were previously incarcerated more than once for property crimes and substance-related offences. Semi-structured interviews with these four participants were afterwards analysed thematically. This qualitative study aims to understand how inadequate self-control influences the decision to reoffend, guided by the General Theory of Crime. We found that indicators of inadequate self-control were apparent in participants’ statements; among six indicators, impulsivity and self-centeredness in particular appear to significantly affect reoffending committed by the participants. Poor self-control tends to make participants ignore the potential consequences and long-term risks of their behaviour. We are hoping that this study could inform policy-making processes related to prisoner reintegration in order to minimise reoffending. This study could also serve as an early finding that can inspire more comprehensive studies using the General Theory of Crime on prisoner studies in Indonesia.