Criminogenic Thinking Research Articles

Reception to and Efficacy of a Serious Video Game for Correctional Intervention: Project Choices

Project Choices ( PC), a newly developed videogame for correctional intervention, consists of realistic decision-making scenarios and cognitive behavioral skills feedback. A pilot study investigated PC engagement and immersion by employing a cross-over design with a sample of 24 men on probation remanded to residential treatment. The study also examined effects of gameplay on criminogenic thinking, self-perceived criminogenic risk, and social problem-solving. As hypothesized, relative to a leisure video game ( Tetris), participants generally appeared comparably engaged by and immersed in PC. Most hypothesized effects of PC on treatment-relevant outcomes were not statistically significant; however, PC contributed to moderate to large treatment effects across most outcomes of interest. Although results are promising, PC requires further validation to determine whether it could serve as a useful adjunctive tool for practitioners hoping to further reach and engage corrections clients in criminogenic risk-reduction services. Future research directions for technology like PC are numerous and encouraged.

“Negative affectivity distorts thinking”: a multilevel analysis of criminogenic thinking among Pakistani incarcerated offenders

ABSTRACT The primary aim of the study was to assess the role of negative affectivity, a dynamic factor, in predicting criminogenic thinking styles after considering the roles of stable personal factors, individual and family history of crime, and cognitive functioning. A secondary objective was to assess whether first-time vs. repeat Pakistani incarcerated offenders differ on criminogenic cognitions. A sample of 205 offenders incarcerated in Pakistani prisons completed self-report measures of negative affectivity, cognitive functioning, and criminogenic cognitions. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were calculated to test the study hypotheses. Findings revealed that negative affectivity factors, particularly fear, were more important for understanding criminogenic cognitive patterns as they explained a significantly larger variance over and above the individual variables, history factors, and cognitive functioning in criminogenic thinking. Further findings showed that repeat offenders scored consistently higher on criminogenic cognitions compared to first-time offenders. The findings highlight the importance of developing prevention programs incorporating cognitive behavior therapeutic strategies targeting negative affectivity and criminogenic cognitions among incarcerated offenders.

Criminogenic Thinking Relates to Employment Status and Workplace Behaviors among Law Enforcement Officers

Criminogenic Thinking Relates to Employment Status and Workplace Behaviors among Law Enforcement Officers

CRIMINOGENIC THINKING AND PERSONALITY AT INMATES FROM ROMANIA

Objective. The objective was to identify and analyze how criminogenic thinking and personality are involved in delinquency and crime in order to prevent criminal behavior. Material and methods. Data were collected from 300 male inmates, with ages between 21 and 65, definitively sentenced and in custody in seven Romanian penitentiaries. An omnibus questionnaire and two psychological questionnaires were used: the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale and the CP5F Personality Questionnaire. Results. Compared to the control group, the group of people deprived of liberty convicted of murder obtained a statistically significantly higher mean for the short-term planning subscale and lower for the extraversion, conscientiousness and emotional stability subscales. The variability of the score for the thinking pattern specific to short-term planning is due to 59% of the low conscientiousness score F(148,149) = 9.32, p < .05, and in turn the conscientiousness score is explained in proportion to 38% of the negative cognitive pattern score against authority F(148, 149) = 5.79, p < .05 and 33% of that of insensitivity to impact F(148, 149) = 5.02, p < .05. At the same time, the conscientiousness score explains 35% of the emotional stability score F(148, 149) = 81.69, p < .01. Conclusions. The specialized intervention regarding social reintegration intended for this category of people requires a careful orientation towards assuming social norms, emotional balancing, adaptation in society, previewing the consequences and developing the ability to make long-term plans. Keywords: murder, criminogenic cognition, personality traits, specific intervention.

Substance use and criminogenic thinking: Longitudinal latent class analysis of veterans with criminal histories

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to inform clinical practice by identifying distinct subgroups of US veterans with criminal histories in residential mental health treatment. The study characterized veteran patients on their alcohol and drug use and criminogenic thinking. We also examined predictors and outcomes of subgroup membership. MethodsParticipants were 341 veterans with a criminal history in residential mental health care. A parallel latent growth trajectory model characterized participants' alcohol and drug use and criminogenic thinking at treatment entry and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. ResultsThe study identified four distinct classes: 53 % Normative Improvement, 27 % High Criminogenic Thinking, 11 % High Recurrence (of substance use), and 9 % High Drug Use. Compared to the Normative Improvement class, prior to treatment entry, patients in the High Recurrence class were less likely to be on parole or probation, and patients in the High Criminogenic Thinking class were more likely to be chronically homeless. Compared to the Normative Improvement class, at follow-ups, patients in the High Drug Use and High Criminogenic Thinking classes were more likely to recidivate, and patients in the High Drug Use class were more likely to report unstable housing. Depression scores were higher (nearly double) in the High Drug Use, High Recurrence, and High Criminogenic Thinking classes at follow-ups compared to the Normative Improvement class. ConclusionsThat the Normative Improvement class entered mental health residential treatment with relatively low alcohol and drug use and criminogenic thinking, and sustained these low levels, suggests that treatment does not need to be broadened or intensified to improve these domains for these patients with criminal histories. In contrast, findings for the High Drug Use, High Recurrence, and High Criminogenic Thinking classes, which composed 47 % of the sample, suggest that more integrated and sustained treatment may be needed to reduce recidivism, depression, and homelessness among these patients.

Individual and situational factors predicting employment status among revoked community-released offenders.

Finding and maintaining employment postrelease is an important component in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration for returning citizens. The primary purpose of the current study was to identify and gain a clearer understanding of both internal/individual (i.e., attitudes toward work, criminogenic thinking, antisocial associates, general mental health) and external/situational factors (i.e., reliable transportation, possession of identification, Internet access, type of residence) affecting employment status using a sample of 75 higher-risk community-supervised offenders (employed: n = 33; unemployed: n = 42). Unemployed offenders endorsed higher reactive criminal thinking (indicative of impulsivity) than those who were employed; no other differences in criminogenic thinking or association with antisocial others were found. Perceptions of work volition were significantly different across groups; however, feelings of work alienation were not. Further, significantly more unemployed offenders self-reported having a mental health diagnosis (other than a substance use disorder) and endorsed statistically and clinically significantly higher levels of psychological distress as compared to employed offenders. Regarding situational factors, although no statistically significant differences were found between the unemployed and employed groups, those who were employed were twice as likely to have access to the Internet. Based on these findings, it is recommended that correctional vocational programs incorporate psychological and cognitive interventions, not simply focus on skills training and logistical considerations. Future directions for research are discussed, including the need to monitor job success over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining the Relationship Between Criminogenic Thinking, Differential Identification, Motivation, and Risk-Taking Behavior in Emerging Adults

Young adults engage in a disproportionately high rate of problematic behaviors such as risky sexual activities, academic dishonesty, and substance abuse. In order to understand why this occurs, two lesser-known constructs related to risktaking behavior were investigated in this study: differential identification, which has yet to be empirically studied in the context of emerging adults, and criminogenic thinking, which has only been evaluated in this context to a minimal degree. To bridge the gap between these two constructs, motivation was hypothesized to be a moderator in each of these respective relationships. Data from 309 emerging adults were recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) to complete the survey materials online. The analysis consisted of a hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results indicated that motivation did not moderate either relationship (i.e., differential identification and risk-taking behavior and criminogenic thinking and risk-taking behavior). However, a main effect was found between one aspect of differential identification and risk-taking behavior. No other main effects were found in this study. Potential explanations for the results of this study are discussed, as well as implications and directions for future research.

The Gendered Nature of Criminogenic Thinking Patterns Among Justice-Involved Clients: A Pilot Study

Because much of our understanding of criminogenic thinking (antisocial cognitions) has been based on male justice populations, questions remain about the applicability of this construct to justice-involved women. Based on an item-level analysis of 216 justice-involved clients, results of this pilot study suggest that criminogenic thinking in women is relevant, and both overlaps with and diverges from that of men. In fact, the predictive accuracy for rearrest attained with a gender-responsive model developed for women exceeded that of the corresponding model developed for men (area under the curve [AUC] = .86 vs. AUC = .67). We recommend the creation of parsimonious criminogenic thinking instruments that optimize predictive criterion validity. Gender-responsive scales that capture the gender-specificity that exists in criminogenic thinking patterns can assist in (a) optimizing the prediction of reoffending and (b) identifying essential constellations of treatment targets among forensic populations.

Cognitive Control and Criminogenic Cognitions in South Asian Gamblers.

It has been suggested that criminogenic thinking is likely to be a correlate of gambling. The primary aim of the current study was to assess whether gamblers and non-gamblers differ on measures of cognitive control and criminogenic cognitions. The secondary aim was to assess the association between cognitive control and criminogenic cognitions amongst gamblers and non-gamblers. The sample included 159 male participants (78 gamblers and 81 non-gamblers) with an age range from 15 to 25years (M = 20.07, SD = 2.77), recruited from different snooker clubs in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were individually administered color word interference test (CWIT) taken from Delis Kaplan executive function system, Lie Bet Questionnaire, and Criminogenic Cognition Scale in order to assess cognitive control, gambling, and criminogenic thinking patterns respectively. Raw scores of completion time and number of errors on four conditions of CWIT were taken as the measures of cognitive control. Results from repeated measure ANOVA indicated that gamblers committed significantly more errors on cognitive control measure and scored significantly higher on two criminogenic cognition subscales including notion of entitlement and insensitivity to the impact of crime. Furthermore, age and education were also found to be significant covariates of specific criminogenic cognitions and cognitive control respectively. Results from correlational analyses showed that error measure, but not the time measure, of cognitive control was significantly and positively correlated with short term orientation, notion of entitlement, negative attitude toward authority, and insensitivity to the impact of crime. Implications of the findings are suggested along with future directions.

Study protocol: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of Moral Reconation Therapy in the US Veterans Health Administration

BackgroundMoral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a cognitive-behavioral intervention aimed at reducing risk for criminal recidivism by restructuring antisocial attitudes and cognitions (i.e., “criminogenic thinking”). MRT has empirical support for reducing risk for criminal recidivism among civilian offenders. Recently, a version of MRT was developed for military veterans; however, no randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been conducted with the veteran-specific protocol, and the effectiveness and implementation potential of MRT outside of correctional settings has not been established.MethodsUsing a Hybrid Type 1 RCT design, this study will test the effectiveness of MRT to reduce risk for criminal recidivism and improve health-related outcomes among justice-involved veterans entering mental health residential treatment at three US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Medical Centers. Upon admission to the treatment program, justice-involved veterans will complete a baseline assessment, be randomized to usual care (UC) or UC + MRT, and be followed 6 and 12 months post-baseline. A process evaluation will also be conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of MRT in residential treatment.DiscussionThe primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of MRT with justice-involved veterans. If MRT proves effective in this trial, the findings can provide large healthcare systems that serve veterans with an evidence-based intervention for addressing criminogenic thinking among justice-involved adults, as well as guidance on how to facilitate future implementation of MRT in non-correctional settings.Trial registrationThis trial is funded by the VA Health Services Research & Development Program (IIR 14–081) and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02524171).

Cognitive-behavioral treatments for criminogenic thinking: Barriers and facilitators to implementation within the Veterans Health Administration.

Cognitive-behavioral treatments for criminogenic thinking (i.e., antisocial cognitions, attitudes, and traits) are regarded as best practices for reducing criminal recidivism among justice-involved adults. However, the barriers and facilitators to implementation of these treatments within large health care systems such as the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are largely unknown. To address this gap, we conducted qualitative interviews with 22 Specialists from the VHA's Veterans Justice Programs who had been trained in a cognitive-behavioral treatment for criminogenic thinking (i.e., Moral Reconation Therapy [MRT], Thinking for a Change [T4C]). The time-intensiveness of these treatments emerged as a barrier to implementation. Potential solutions identified were patient incentives for treatment engagement, streamlining the curriculum, and implementing the treatments within long-term/residential programs. At the program level, providers' stigma/bias toward patients with antisocial tendencies was seen as a barrier to implementation, as were time/resource constraints on providers. To address the latter, use of peer providers to deliver the treatments and partnerships between justice programs and behavioral health services were suggested. At the system level, lack of recognition of criminogenic treatments as evidence based, and uncertainty of sustained funds to support ongoing costs of these treatments emerged as implementation barriers. To address the latter, a train-the-trainers model was suggested. Our findings serve as a guide for implementation of criminogenic treatments for providers and policymakers in VHA and other large health care systems, which are increasingly called upon to provide care to justice-involved adults in the community. (PsycINFO Database Record

Pathological personality traits and criminogenic thinking styles

The present research investigated associations between pathological personality traits and criminogenic thinking styles. Study 1 examined the associations between pathological personality traits and criminogenic thinking styles among 122 community members, whereas Study 2 examined these associations among 299 incarcerated male offenders. Negative affectivity and detachment each had unique positive associations with cognitive immaturity, and antagonism was positively associated with the desire to control others across both studies. Disinhibition had unique positive associations with control and cognitive immaturity among incarcerated offenders in Study 2, whereas psychoticism was positively associated with cognitive immaturity and egocentrism across both studies. The results of these studies suggest important connections between pathological personality traits and criminogenic thinking styles that may shed light on some of the difficulties that often accompany personality pathology.

Who do you think you are? An initial investigation of ego identity development and criminogenic thinking among incarcerated offenders

Purpose Criminogenic thinking refers to patterns of specific cognitive events associated with criminal behavior that facilitate the development and maintenance of patterned criminal behavior. Relatively little is known about the specific processes involved in the development of criminogenic thinking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine ego identity development and criminal associations as two possible predictors of criminogenic thinking. Design/methodology/approach Participants included 104 adult male state penitentiary inmates. Participants completed measures assessing ego identity status, criminogenic thinking, and the amount of time spent in the presence with other offers. Data were analyzed with a series of hierarchical regressions. Findings Results indicated that active engagement in the psychosocial process of identity development is associated with decreased criminogenic thinking. However, interaction with criminal associates and incarceration prior to the age of 18 were significant predictors of criminogenic thinking, regardless of identity development style. Implications for correctional mental health and offender rehabilitation are discussed. Originality/value As this is the first study of its’ kind and limitations are to be expected, there are several potential implications for correctional mental health and offender rehabilitation that are discussed.

Partners or Partners in Crime? The Relationship Between Criminal Associates and Criminogenic Thinking

Meta-analyses examining the risk factors for recidivism have identified the importance of ties with criminal associates as well as thoughts and attitudes conducive to the continuance of criminal behavior (e.g., criminogenic thinking). Criminologists have theorized that a direct relationship exists between the association with criminal peers and the development of criminogenic thinking. The present study empirically explored the relationship between criminal associates and criminogenic thinking in 595 adult male inmates in the United States. It was hypothesized that the proportion of free time spent with and number of criminal associates would be associated with criminogenic thinking, as measured by two self-report instruments, the Measure of Offender Thinking Styles-Revised (MOTS-R) and the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS). Hierarchal linear regression analyses demonstrated that the proportion of free time spent with criminal associates statistically predicted criminogenic thinking when controlling for demographic variables. The implications of these findings on correctional practice (including assessment and intervention) as well as future research are discussed.

Changes in inmates' substance use and dependence from pre-incarceration to one year post-release

PurposeTo assess changes in inmates' misuse of substances from pre- to post-incarceration. MethodsIn Study 1, professionals (n=162) and laypersons (n=50) predicted how jail inmates' substance misuse would change from pre-incarceration to post-release. In Study 2, a longitudinal study of 305 jail inmates, we examined actual changes in substance use and dependence from pre-incarceration to the first year post-incarceration, as well as whether changes varied as a function of demographic, criminal justice, treatment, and personality factors. ResultsProfessionals and laypersons predicted little change in substance misuse whereas, in fact, inmates' frequency of substance use and dependence decreased substantially from pre-incarceration to post-release. Sharper decreases were observed for inmates who were female, younger, more educated, serving longer sentences, enrolled in substance abuse treatment, high in shame-proneness, and low in criminogenic thinking. Race, first time incarceration, transfer to other correctional facilities, mandated community supervision (probation), and guilt-proneness did not predict changes in substance use or dependence. ConclusionsAlthough substance misuse decreased, this remains a population high in need of substance abuse treatment both upon arrest and at one year post-incarceration; 60% of former inmates met at least one DSM-IV criterion for substance dependence at one year post-release.

Criminogenic Thinking Mediates the Relation Between Violent Media Exposure and Aggression

ABSTRACTFor decades researchers have been exploring the connection between exposure to violent media and aggression in adolescents. In this study, we hypothesized that criminogenic thinking would mediate the relationship between violent media exposure and aggression. A sample of 382 undergraduate students completed questionnaires regarding exposure to violent media during their adolescent years, and their current endorsement of criminogenic thinking and level of aggression. Results indicated that criminogenic thinking patterns did, in fact, mediate the relationships between exposure to various forms of violent media and aggression. The implications of these findings toward a better understanding of the relationship between violent media exposure and aggressive behavior are discussed.

Psychopathy and Criminogenic Thinking in Adult Male Prisoners

Crime persists in plaguing society, with most crimes committed by repeat offenders. This causes an increase in the incarcerated population and strains correctional systems. Understanding why individuals who have been incarcerated continue to recidivate remains an important focus for investigation. Psychopathic personality traits and criminogenic thinking have both been shown to predict recidivism. However, there is currently little research that focuses on the relationship between these two risk factors, and no prior research has examined this relationship specifically among incarcerated offenders. To address this gap, the present study examined psychopathy and criminogenic thinking among 399 adult males incarcerated in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Results indicated that after controlling for demographic variables, increased primary and secondary psychopathy significantly predicted increased overall and particular subtypes of criminogenic thinking. Implications for addressing psychopathic personality characteristics and criminogenic thinking conjointly in prison-based treatment programming to reduce recidivism are discussed.

Understanding College Students’ Problems

Many college students experience mental health problems and engage in risky behavior. These problems perpetuate negative outcomes such as poor academic performance and health problems, which may ultimately result in dropping out of college. Maladaptive cognitions, such as criminogenic thinking, have been established as an important contributor to an array of problematic, undesired outcomes in a variety of populations. Criminogenic thinking has been shown to be present in college students, but its association to students’ problematic behavior and emotions has not previously been explored. The results of this study establish a link between criminogenic thinking and negative emotions and problematic behavior in college students, which has important implications for mental health treatment toward improving college students’ psychological well-being and academic success.

Comparative Analysis of Attitudes and Emotions Among Inmates

This study examines the relationship between behavioral health problems and criminogenic thinking, aggression, self-control, and hopelessness, controlling for other demographic and criminal behavior characteristics among incarcerated persons. Male ( n = 3,986) and female ( n = 218) inmates expected to be released within 24 months from prisons affiliated with a northeastern state department of corrections completed the Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified, Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire Short-Form, Brief Self-Control Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Results indicated that behavioral health variables were significantly and substantially correlated with antisocial thinking, aggression, self-control, and hopelessness. For male inmates, serious mental illness and substance abuse problems significantly increased antisocial attitudes, aggression, and hopelessness scores and decreased self-control scores. In preparing incarcerated persons with and without mental illnesses for reentry to the community, it is critical to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that respond to attitudinal and emotional risk factors that predict relapse and recidivism.

Exploring Parenting as a Predictor of Criminogenic Thinking in College Students

Crime-promoting cognitions and attitudes, globally labeled as criminogenic thinking, are shown to perpetuate maladaptive and antisocial behavior in criminals and nonoffenders. In the nonoffender population, these thinking patterns may not lead to illegal behavior, but can result in irresponsible or maladaptive behavioral consequences. Theories suggest that early childhood parent-child interactions may be partly responsible for the development of criminogenic thinking. While the relationship between parenting and antisocial behavior is well documented, the connection between parenting and the development of criminogenic thinking styles has not yet been explored. The current study examined the nature of the relationship between exposure to parenting behaviors and subsequent criminogenic thoughts in a nonoffender, college population. The sample included 119 undergraduates. Results indicate that parenting may affect general criminogenic thinking as well as specific types of criminogenic thinking styles. Relevance and importance of the findings with regard to clinical work and parenting are also discussed.