Investigating Factors Contributing For Recidivism in Dessie and Woldiya Correctional Centers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors contributing for recidivism in Dessie and Woldia correction centers. To achieve the purpose of this research, a mixed research design was employed. The respondents were selected through availability and purposive sampling technique. The data were collected through questionnaire, in-depth interview and key informant interview. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were used. The researchers used descriptive statistical tools to analyze the quantitative data. Descriptive tools such as frequency, percentages, and tables are employed to present the results. On the other hand, the qualitative data was analyzed by using thematic analysis methods. As the findings indicated that the factors contributing for recidivism were poverty, unemployment, poor living conditions, family conflict, lack of love and affection; lack of close supervision, separation, divorce, and death of parents. Psychological problems including anxiety, depression, drug abuse, aggressive personality traits too pressurized to aggravate their tendency towards committing crime. Finally, the prison officials and other stakeholders should work to address the economic, social and psychological problems of offenders before and after release.