AO3

• How does it have real-world applications

  • CBT challenges irrational thinking, offenders are encouraged to 'face up' to what they have done and establish a less distorted view of their crime
  • Harkins - reduced incidence of denial and minimalisation therapy is highly associated with a reduced risk of reoffending
  • Suggests that the theory of cognitive distortions has practical value
• What are levels of cognitive distortions dependant on

  • Howitt and Sheldon - questionnaire responses from sexual offenders
  • Contary to what was believed non-contact sexual offenders used more cognitive distortions than contact sex-offenders
  • Those who had a history of offending was also more likely to use distortions as a justification
  • Suggesting distortions are not used in the same way by all offenders