The utility of qualitative approaches in the investigation of the relationship between substance misuse and crime

The aim of this thesis was to examine the relationship between substance misuse and crime. Whilst extensive research exists in this area, there remains a paucity of research utilising qualitative methodology. A narrative review demonstrates the complex nature of the drug/crime relationship and provides an argument for the use of narrative in examining the aetiology of a complex relationship. This relationship is further examined in Chapter 3, where Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the narratives of 6 participants. The use of substances contributed to various types of offences for these participants as well as being apparent in the literature appertaining to sexual offending. Chapter 4 examines an intervention conducted with an alcoholic sex offender in treatment at a community drug and alcohol service. The intervention described enabled the client to identify pertinent risk factors (i.e. alcohol misuse) of recidivism without relinquishing his stance of ‘categorical denial’. A critique of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory 3 (SASSI-3) is provided in Chapter 5. Examination of psychometric properties suggests that the SASSI-3’s validity is questionable raising concern regarding its appropriate application. The author concludes that this thesis will enhance current understanding of the relationship between substance misuse and crime.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

d_fp

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

d_fp

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Birmingham

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Shillam, Ann Margaret

• BF Psychology