cognitive distortions evaluation

Question 1

cognitive theories may be more descriptive than explanatory

Answer 1

the cognitive approach can describe the crinimal mind
For example, it can show hostile attribution bias can lead to offending behaviour - it also shows how offenders minimise their crimes which is useful in therapy

However cognitive theories do not help in predicting future offending behaviour

just because someone tends to have distorted thinking does not inevitably mean they will become an offender

Thi limits cognitive explanations application

Question 2

real-world application

Answer 2

one strength of cognitive distortions are that it has real-world application to therapy

Cognitive behaviour therapy aims to challenge irrational thinking,
In the case of offending behaviour, offenders are encouraged to “face up to what they have done and establish a less distorted view of their actions

Studies e.g. Harkins et al 2019 suggested that reduced incidence of denial and minimisation is highly associated with a reduced risk of reoffending (as acceptance of one’s crimes is thought to be an important aspect of rehabilitation)

This suggests that the theory of cognitive distortions has practical value