Criminological: Treatments For Offenders: CBT

Question 1

What is CBT?

Answer 1

Cognitive behavioural therapy
Anger management
It assumes that the inability to control anger is the root of offending.
It has 3 phases:
-Cognitive preparation
-Skill acquisition
-Application

Question 2

What happens in the cognitive preparation phase of CBT?

Answer 2

The offender reflects on situations in the past that triggered anger with a therapist.

Question 3

What happens during the application phase of CBT?

Answer 3

The therapist gives the offender situations and provokes anger, the offender then must internalise their new techniques.

Question 4

What happens in the skill acquisition phase of CBT?

Answer 4

Offenders are taught behaviour techniques that help them control their emotions. For example, counting to ten.

Question 5

What is the supporting evidence for CBT?

Answer 5

Howells et al

Question 6

What were the aims of Howells et Al’s study?

Answer 6

To see whether anger management was effective in producing a change in behaviour.

Question 7

What was Howells et Al’s sample?

Answer 7

Australian male offenders
60% violent offenders.

Question 8

How much CBT did each participant in Howells et Al’s study receive?

Answer 8

20 hours of CBT.

Question 9

What were the results and conclusions of Howells et Al’s study?

Answer 9

Treatment group improved by 1.5 in controlling their anger and left with a better understanding of their anger.
= overall impact of CBT is minor but improves if offenders are motivated.

Question 10

What is the opposing evidence of Howells et Al’s study?

Answer 10

Androcentric
Only used male sample may not be generalisable to women .

Question 11

What is the opposing evidence of CBT?

Answer 11

Not suitable for all
Anger management training can increase an offenders ability to manipulate a situation and assist them in committing further crime.

Question 12

Evaluate the D of CBT.

Answer 12

Different treatment
Hormone treatment
Start working immediately whereas amateur management can take many weeks.

Question 13

Evaluate the first E of DESSERT for CBT.

Answer 13

Expense: CBT is expensive to run as it must be lead by professionals. More expensive as professional is needed.

Question 14

Evaluate the S of DESSERT for CBT.

Answer 14

Supporting evidence:
Howells et al
Anger management programmes don’t garuntee improvement unless the participant is motivated to change .
Should only be given to those motivated.

Question 15

Evaluate the second S of DESSERT of CBT.

Answer 15

Side effects:
Domestic abuse
AM reduced Domestic abuse offenders physical violence but it was found they were more verbally abusive.
Programme highlights other ways offenders hurt people which CBT can’t solve.

Question 16

Evaluate CBT using the second E in DESSERT.

Answer 16

Ethics:
Poor
Offenders are forced into the programme as a condition of release.
High levels of social control meaning offenders rights may be compromised.

Question 17

Evaluate CBT with the R of DESSERT.

Answer 17

Reason:
Gives offenders life skills
Focuses on the trigger of aggression and teaches how to react.
= Help people understand what makes them angry so they can avoid it or lower risks.

Question 18

Using the T of DESSERT evaluate CBT.

Answer 18

Time:
Anger management can take up to 10 weeks.
This is slower than hormone treatment which can take effect instantly but is short-term
Could be more effective long-term as life skills are learnt.