Soldier, civilian, criminal: identifying pathways to offending of ex-armed forces personnel in prison. Issue 8 (13th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wainwright, Verity; McDonnell, Sharon; Lennox, Charlotte; Shaw, Jenny; Senior, Jane
• Is Part Of: Psychology, crime & law. Volume 22:Issue 8(2016)
• Page Start: 741
• Page End: 757
• Publication Date: 2016-09-13
• Subjects: Ex-armed forces -- prison -- offending -- mental health -- qualitative methods; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Law -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 364.3
• DOI: 10.1080/1068316X.2016.1181175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1068-316X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Little is known about why some ex-armed forces personnel become involved in the criminal justice system, however, they represent the largest known occupational group in prison. In-depth interviews were employed to explore possible pathways to offending. Twenty ex-armed forces personnel in prison were recruited from five prisons in England. Data were analysed using a combination of thematic analysis and constant comparison methods rooted in grounded theory. Four predominant themes were identified: experiences of trauma and adversity; belonging; impulsivity and creating a soldier . Participants had experienced a number of traumatic incidents and adversity in their lives, encompassing pre, during and post-service but felt a sense of belonging in the armed forces. Participants demonstrated impulsivity in a number of areas with links to both their service in the armed forces and offending behaviour. The creation of the identity of 'soldier' was perceived to impact participants' lives in a number of ways, including their offending, alcohol use and coping with trauma. The interplay of these themes and their potential impact on participants' pathways to offending are discussed.