Cognitive theories and CBT

• Cognitive theories state that our thought processes shape our behaviour. Offenders have distorted cognition which makes them more likely to offend. CBT has been implemented as a result of cognitive theories as it aims to change thought processes and attitudes in order to elicit a change in behaviour.
• An example of a cognitive behavioural therapy in terms of helping criminals is Think First. Think First is a programme of group and one-to-one sessions for repeat offenders on probations. It teaches things such as problem solving and seeing from other people's perspective.

  It is fairly successful as those completing the programme are 30% less likely to be re-convicted than offenders who receive an alternative community sentence. However, it has a high non-completion rate.
• Another example of a cognitive behavioural therapy is Aggression Replacement Training (ART). ART is a programme for violent offenders. It involves:

  • interpersonal skills training
  • anger control techniques
  • moral reasoning training
• ART mostly leads to lower re-conviction rates. However, there has been some evidence for the fact that although thinking skills improved, there was no improvement in behaviour.
• The Home Office's 'what works' policy ensures that CBT programmes actually reduce offending as not all CBT programmes are equally successful or suitable for every offender.