NCJ Number
219829
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 34 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2007 Pages: 1029-1043
Date Published
August 2007
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study investigated patterns of maladaptive thinking in offenders and sought to develop and preliminarily validate a measure of criminal thinking patterns.
Abstract
Investigation of the structure of the thinking patterns, by means of an exploratory factor analysis yielded a three factor model underlying offender thinking patterns: control, cognitive immaturity, and egocentrism. Control is comprised of thinking patterns that reflect a desire for power in all aspects of life. Cognitive immaturity included thinking patterns that suggest the reliance on immature cognitive tactics and a self-pitying outlook. Egocentrism consists of thinking patterns that focus intently on the self across different situations and interactions. These three factors have face validity for conceptualizing maladaptive thinking that leads to criminal behavior. The three-factor model has significant implications for prevention, assessment, and treatment with an offender population as well as for future research into the maladaptive thinking of criminals. Research indicates that criminals, as a group, demonstrate patterns of thinking that are different from those of noncriminals. This study set out to test common theories of maladaptive thinking as they apply to criminals’ dysfunctional cognitions. Specifically, the study sought to develop and preliminarily validate a more comprehensive measure of criminal thinking patterns than those that currently exist. The study examines the factor structure of criminal thinking and draws comparisons to the eight cognitive patterns proposed in earlier research which remains the preeminent model used in the investigation, understanding, and communication about criminal thinking. Tables, references