Desistance, religion and spirituality: Religion, spirituality and the process of desistance

Despite representing a major component of present-day society, research focusing on the role of religion and spirituality in the desistance process is rare in Europe. The aim of this study, therefore, is to understand how these two components can help people to stop offending. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of the resulting narratives. Our study enables us to consider religion and spirituality as supports for desistance that endorse prosocial behaviour and the identity development of participants. Links are also made between these two concepts and the presence of other factors involved in desistance.