Recidivism is the tendency to relapse into an undesirable pattern of behavior, particularly criminal conduct. Overcoming recidivism is a challenge for many people, and the high rate of recidivism by convicts is the justification for increasing prison sentences for repeat offenders.

One study by a public university professor identifies five factors affecting recidivism:[1] Another study in Alaska found that vocational education and general education were helpful in reducing recidivism rates.[2]

* education and employment
* substance abuse
* mental health
* housing
* support by social networks

Missing from that list is religious faith, which is probably the greatest aid in overcoming recidivism.

Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, offers faith-based college courses to prisoners in an effort to reduce recidivism.

## References[edit]

1. ↑ "Recidivism Reduction Treatment Center Study," by Professor T. Hank Robinson, of the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Juvenile Justice Institute.
2. ↑ http://www.law.duke.edu/shell/cite.pl?25online+Alaska+L.+Rev.+1