Forensics- Minimalisation (Cognitive)

Question 1

What is minimalisation?

Answer 1

-Serves to downplay criminal behaviour, self-deception- not fully accept reality/ attempt to rationalise
-Trivialising/ attributing some blame to the victim, helping deal with guilt

Question 2

What research is used? (AO3)

Answer 2

-Alvaro, measured anti-social young adults, strong relation between anti-social and minimalisation, supporting
-Maruna & Mann, downplay crimes to deal with guilt, treatment programmes to test M, may not impact first time offenders but makes reoffending more likely
-Kennedy & Grubin, rated sex-offenders degree of denial, attempting to excuse/ place blame, 1/3 denied involvement, certain crimes- used more frequently

Question 3

AO3 (1)

Answer 3

-Relationship between amount of M and levels of offending behaviours, well supported by data

Question 4

AO3 (2)

Answer 4

-Argued as coping strategy rather than explanation
-Downplaying behaviour= increased likelihood