Correctional rehabilitation programmes’ effectiveness: A phenomenological study of recidivists in a South African setting

Abstract

This study sought to explore correctional rehabilitation effectiveness in a South African setting. Using a phenomenological approach, we interviewed ten parole recidivists who have been convicted more than twice on their rehabilitation service experiences. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of the data indicated that the recidivists perceived attitudinal, behavioural, and programmes’ insufficiency as barriers to benefiting from correctional rehabilitation. For enhanced effectiveness, correctional services programs’ designs should consider personal recidivists’ experiences, as well as their ability and willingness to receive correctional services.