Cognitive distortions

• Cognitive distortions are errors or biases in information processing characterised by faulty thinking
• Schonenberg and Jusyte found violent offenders were more likely than non-offenders to perceive ambiguous facial expressions as angry and hostile
• Offenders misread non-aggressive cues (e.g: being looked at) and this can trigger a disproportionate and violent response - hostile attribution bias
• Magnification and minimalisation are cognitive biases where consequences of actions are under/over exaggerated
• Minimalisation helps the individual accept the consequences of behaviour - negative emotions are reduced
• An example of minimalisation is that burglars may use euphemisms like doing a job or supporting the family as a way of minimising the seriousness of their actions and their sense of guilt
• Barbaree found 54% rapists denied they had committed an offence at all and a further 40% minimised the harm they had caused to the victim
• One strength is its application to therapy. In CBT, offenders are helped to face up to what they have done and have a less distorted view of these actions. Studies (Harkins et al) suggest that reduced denial and minimalisation in therapy are associated with less reoffending. This suggests that the theory of cognitive distortions has practical value
• One limitation is cognitive distortions depend on the type of offence. Howitt and Sheldon found that non-contact sex offenders used more cognitive distortions than contact sex offenders. Those who had a previous history of offending were also more likely to use distortions as a justification for that behaviour. This suggests that cognitive distortions are not used in the same way by all offenders