PSI311 (Desistance from Crime): Tutor-Marked Assignment

Module / Subject / School

PSI311 Desistance from Crime
Singapore University of Social Sciences

Requirements

Ali was recently released after being incarcerated for 3 years for his offence. Prior to incarceration, he was actively involved in criminal acts, including petty thefts and getting into fights with anti-social peers. He justified his actions based on his father’s involvement in crime to support the family.

During his incarceration, Ali attended correctional programmes such as Theft Intervention and Gang Renunciation Programmes. He gained insights into his offending behaviours and expressed a desire to “change his life around.” His transformation was partially influenced by a mentor-speaker who had experienced similar challenges. Ali now wants to be a youth mentor and join the Desistor Network to inspire others.

Tasks:

1. a) Identity transformation
   Appraise the concept of identity transformation, from offender to law-abiding citizen, by applying it to Ali’s case.
2. b) Aftercare approaches
   Analyse three approaches in which aftercare corrections staff can facilitate Ali’s continuous identity transformation after release.
3. c) Theoretical application and programme design

• Apply differential association theory and general strain theory to Ali’s identity transformation process. Evaluate how these theories may have guided the design of programmes relevant to Ali’s circumstances, during incarceration and/or after release.
• Based on each theory, formulate and explain a relevant strategy or programme to help Ali maintain his commitment to desistance. Strategies can be new or novel additions complementing existing community initiatives (e.g., Singapore Prison Service). 

What We Score

• 74%

Our Writer’s Comment

Marks are awarded for linking theory to Ali’s case and showing practical strategies for sustaining desistance.

Common challenges include:

• Shallow identity analysis. Students fail to explore the psychological and social aspects of Ali’s transformation.
• Generic aftercare suggestions. Approaches are often listed without tying them to Ali’s unique needs or the theories underpinning desistance.
• Weak theoretical integration. Differential association and general strain theories are mentioned but not applied to programme design.

High-scoring submissions critically apply theory, link interventions to Ali’s circumstances, and propose feasible strategies.

How to Strengthen Your Submission

• Analyse Ali’s identity transformation. Connect his personal change to psychological and social mechanisms that support desistance.
• Detail aftercare approaches. Suggest mentoring, skill-building, or community engagement strategies that reinforce law-abiding identity.
• Apply theory to practice. Show how differential association and general strain theories inform programme design.
• Propose innovative programmes. Strategies should be feasible, complement existing initiatives, and address gaps in support.

Strong submissions demonstrate understanding of theory and practical application to a real-world case.

Need Our Team’s Support With This Assignment?

We have guided many SUSS students through desistance and criminology assignments.

• We apply theory to cases accurately. Identity transformation, differential association, and general strain theories are clearly linked to Ali’s scenario.
• We design practical interventions. Aftercare and post-release strategies are realistic and evidence-based
• We propose innovative programmes. New strategies complement existing community initiatives while supporting long-term desistance.
• We deliver consistent results. Most students working with our experts achieve above 70%.

Our team ensures the assignment is theoretically grounded and clearly articulated.