Offending is often attributed to dysfunctional behaviour, such as inability to control anger, poor cognitive functioning, or substance abuse.
Treatment programmes offer offenders the opportunity to remedy these behaviours, in the hope that they will cease offending.
Cognitive skills programmes are a form of specialised CBT. As with all forms of CBT, it aims to improve cognitive functioning. Cognitive skills programmes work on the basis that if you change the cognitive patterns of criminals, then they will change their behaviour. Two forms of CBT used specifically with offenders are:
1. Reasoning and Rehabilitation therapy targets moral development, encourages creative thinking, and teaches offenders to take a social perspective on life.
2. Enhanced Thinking Skills aims to boost pro-social behaviour by working on interpersonal skills and self-control.
Study: Friendship et al conducted a field experiment into the effectiveness of CBT in reducing recidivism. 670 male offenders took part in Reasoning and Rehabilitation therapy or ETS, and their re conviction rates were compared to 1801 offenders who'd not been part of a cognitive skills programme. Re-conviction rates were 14% lower in the therapy group, and the researchers projected that as a result of CBT, 21000 crimes were prevented.
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