récidive

Récidive is a term of French origin used to describe the repetition of an unwanted behavior after an initial occurrence. In criminology, it denotes the tendency of a convicted person to commit further offenses after contact with the criminal justice system. In medicine and public health, the term is used more broadly to describe the relapse or recurrence of a disease or condition after a period of improvement or remission.

In criminology, recidivism is typically measured by rearrests, reconvictions, or returns to custody within a specified time after release. The interpretation of recidivism can vary by jurisdiction and data source, and researchers note that rates may reflect policing and sentencing practices as well as underlying criminal propensity. In medicine, relapse refers to the return of symptoms or disease after partial or complete remission. This can apply to substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or chronic diseases such as cancer, where a patient experiences renewed disease activity after a period of stability.

Causes and risk factors differ by domain. For crime, factors include prior criminal history, substance abuse, unemployment, social environment, and mental health issues. For disease relapse, factors include biological mechanisms, treatment adherence, withdrawal, stress, and exposure to triggers.

Prevention and management also differ. In criminal justice settings, strategies emphasize rehabilitation, social reintegration, supervision, and community support. In healthcare, relapse prevention involves behavioral therapies, adherence support, pharmacotherapy, and ongoing monitoring to maintain remission and reduce triggers. Récidive thus captures a recurrent pattern across fields, guiding policy and clinical practice.