Citation

Stone R. Vict. Offender 2019; 14(6): 671-691.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15564886.2019.1630696

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Theories of desistance as a process of identity change are increasingly popular, with recent attention shifting to valued relationships, reflected appraisals, and emotion. The current study explores a control theory perspective on "memorable messages." Messages recalled by a sample of mothers involved in substance use and criminal offending demonstrate how these messages inform identity standards and guide behavioral decision-making. Women reveal the emotions and subsequent behavior related to satisfying or violating their identity standards as "good mothers." The study concludes with a discussion of the potential theoretical contributions of this framework, as well as the implications for future identity and desistance research.

Language: en

Keywords

drugs/alcohol; qualitative methods; Women as offenders