Exploring the efficacy of reintegrative shaming for non-predatory offending

Abstract

Since Braithwaite advanced reintegrative shaming theory about 25years ago, the theory has almost invariably been retested only in relation to predatory offending. Few studies have tested the relevance of the theory for non-predatory offending. This study aims to explore the utility of reintegrative shaming theory in explaining non-predatory crimes. Our main research question was: is acknowledgement of shame apportioned by others associated with reduction in non-predatory offending? We used zero-inflated negative binomial modelling to analyse data from a national, longitudinal, population-based study of 1,726 adolescents. Overall, peer shame acknowledgement at age 18-21 was a significant predictor of no non-predatory offending at ages 21-27. Contrary to our expectation, however, similar recognition and incorporation of parental shame was not related to absence of such offending. Our findings add further weight to the validity of reintegrative shaming theory, showing its broader value explaining criminal behaviour-and desistance from it-beyond the original model.