Cognitive Distortions (AQA A-Level Psychology): Flashcards

Faulty thinking patterns criminals use to justify behaviour & reduce guilt

Hostile attribution bias and minimisation

Consistently interpreting others' actions as threatening/hostile, even when neutral

Aggressive crimes

Impulsive aggression, not premeditated

Underestimating seriousness of criminal actions

Downplaying effects, trivialising, blaming victim

Relationship between hostile attribution bias & aggression

Sex offenders extensively used minimisation - majority blamed victims

Post-crime coping strategy rather than cause of initial crime