cognitive distortions

• intro

  • form of irrational thinking > lead - distorted / twisted reality
  • such CD - powerful in CB > allow offenders to rationalise / deny b
• HOSTILE ATTRIBUTION BIAS

  • attribution = what we think when we observe someone's actions + draw an inference about what it means
  • ppl with = describe actions as revenge for public humiliation + social rejection
  • making -ve interpretations of others actions > act aggressively > lead to c
  • e.g. many mass shooters show signs of this
• MINIMALISATION

  • consequences of situation - under exaggerated
  • explains how offenders can reduce any negative interpretation of c + helps them to accept consequences by reducing guilt
  • c thinks about c in a way which downplays / minimises the severity of it > reduced guilt and continue to reoffend