cognitive distortions

• errors/ bias in information processing system characterised by faulty thinking
• hostile attribution bias:

  often associated with the tendency misinterpret actions of others ans can trigger violent reactions. schonenberg and jusyte 2014 present violent offenders ambigious facial expressions and they were more likely to interpret them negatively begins in childhood. dodge and frame 1982 showed children video ambigious provaction those aggressive perceived negatively
• minimalisation:

  attempt to deny or downplay seriousness of offence. barabaree 1991 found 26 incarcerated rapists 54% denied 40% minimised harm
• +application to therapy. cbt aims to challenge irrational thinking in case of offending behaviour they are encouraged to own up to what they did and establish less distorted view. harkins 2010 suggests reduced incidence of denial and minimalisation in therapy is high;y associated with reduced risk of offending. suggests that cognitive distortions have a practical value and external validity
• -level of cognitive distortion depends on the type of offence. howitt and sheldon 2007 gathered questionnaire responses from sexual offenders contrary to what the researchers predicted they found that non contact sexual offenders used more cognitive distortions compared to contact sexual offenders as able to distance themself from the crime . also, those with previous history more likely to use distortions to justify actions. suggests cognitive distortions are used differently by different offenders
• cognitive theories of offending good at descriving criminal mind and may also help in reducing recidivism in the long term. for instance understanding why offenders minimalise their crimes can be a starting point in therapy. but cognitive theories do not help in predicting the future of offending just because someone has distorted thinking does not mean that they will go on to offend in the future. means that it has limited ecological validity