4.1 CT and CBT

Where has CBT come from?

Emerged from cognitive theories and aims to change offenders thoughts and attitudes in an attempt to correct thinking errors.

What are the two CBT programmes for offenders in the UK?

Think first and aggression replacement training

What is it and what are the strengths of think first?

to help group members develop their skills for thinking about problems and for solving them in real-life situations

Useful for repeat offenders, completion improves impulsivity levels, criminal thinking styles and some aspects of social problem solving ability. Research says 30% are less likely to be reconnected. less expensive than prison

Weaknesses of think first

Only in uk, expensive, not good for sexual or domestic violence offences. Relies on offender motivation. Might be doing it to avoid punishment, short term changes

What is it and what are the strengths of ART

Social skills training programme that aims to replace anti- social behaviour with desirable pro- social behaviours.

Some link with lower conviction and improving skills

Weaknesses of ART

Evidence suggests it has no impact on crime and limited impact on reoffending. didn’t actually improve behaviour, only thinking skills