Browsing by Author "Patrikka, Leena Marikki"

Objectives The aim of this study is to examine how desistance affects relationship quality. A high-quality relationship enhances subjective well-being, and the fear of losing their partner might motivate some convicted felons to cease their criminal activity. The effect of both the respondent’s and partner’s antisocial behavior on relationship quality is also considered. This study also examines whether partners’ similarity on desistance moderates the possible effect of desistance. In addition, factors affecting probability of successful desistance are predicted. Methods This study is based on a sample of 1 169 convicted felons, 716 of which were in a relationship at the time of the interview. The average age was 22 years, ranging from 20 to 25 years. 85 % of respondents were men. 59 % respondents reported zero crimes in the past 12 months. Relationship quality was measured with the Quality of Relationship questionnaire and partner’s antisocial activity was measured with the Antisocial Behavior and the Antisocial Influence questionnaires. The quality of the relationship was predicted using seven nesting analysis of variance models. The probability of successful desistance was predicted using logistic regression analysis. Results and conclusions Partner’s reported desistance had the strongest association with relationship quality. The respondent’s own desistance also increased relationship quality. The results did not support the similarity hypothesis. Desistance had an additive effect on relationship quality: more desistance in a relationship meant higher relationship quality. High-quality relationships also increased the odds of successful desistance.