Search Results (4)

Despite the importance of criminogenic thinking in addressing criminal behavior, validated instruments to measure these cognitions in Portuguese forensic settings are scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) in a sample of 364 Portuguese incarcerated males (M_age = 37.88, SD = 10.88). An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, indicating a 15-item, two-factor structure (KMO = 0.82; Bartlett’s test, χ² = 1841.2, df = 105, p < 0.001). The CCS dimensions, comprising Short-Term Orientation and Responsibility Evasion and Authority Resistance, demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, including convergent validity with antisocial traits, moral disengagement, and self-control dimensions, as well as internal consistency (omega coefficient = 0.60–0.77; composite reliability = 74–91; coefficient H = 89–95), and sensitivity of items. The CCS is a valuable tool within prison settings for assessing criminogenic thinking patterns, supporting risk assessment, the development of targeted rehabilitation programs, and monitoring cognitive changes over time to reduce recidivism, thereby promoting inmates’ safer reintegration into society. Overall, our findings suggest the CCS is a promising tool for assessing criminogenic cognitions in the forensic Portuguese population. Full article

Adolescents are currently the most digitally connected generation in history. There is an ever-growing need to understand how typical adolescent risk-taking intersects with the vastly criminogenic potential of digital technology. Criminal hacking in older adolescents (16–19-year-olds) was assessed using an adapted Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model, a cohesive theoretical framework that incorporates cognitive processes and human drivers (informed by psychology, cyberpsychology, and criminology theory). In 2021, a large-scale anonymous online survey was conducted across nine European countries. Criminal hacking was assessed using data from 3985 participants (M = 1895, 47.55%; F = 1968, 49.39%). This study formulated a powerful predictive model of youth hacking intention (accounting for 38.8% of the variance) and behaviour (accounting for 33.6% of the variance). A significant minority, approximately one in six (16.34%), were found to have engaged in hacking, and approximately 2% reported engaging in hacking often or very often. Increased age, being male, and offline deviant behaviour were significant predictors of hacking behaviour. In line with the TPB, intention was the strongest individual predictor of hacking behaviour, which in turn was significantly predicted by cognitive processes accounted for by TPB constructs: subjective norms of family and peers, attitudes towards hacking, and perceived behavioural control. These TPB constructs were found to be significantly associated with human factors of risk-taking, toxic online disinhibition, offline deviant behaviour, and demographic variables of age and gender. Implications for future research, interventions, policy, and practice are discussed. Full article

Child sexual abuse is a public health issue that has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Child sexual abusers constitute a heterogeneous population of individuals. This review lays out an overview of the current understanding of typologies and psychological profiles of child sexual abusers. Typologies of child sexual abusers in general and online child sexual abusers are reviewed to summarise the existing knowledge. Psychological traits including personality traits, cognitive distortion, empathy, and impulsivity are examined to provide a wider perspective of the psycho-criminogenic factors of child sexual abuse. Although past research on child sexual abusers has provided insights into the organisation and classification of different types of child sexual abusers, the classification of these typologies has drawn widespread criticisms. In this review, we discuss the challenges and limitations pertaining to the existing typologies and studies related to the psychological profile of child sexual abusers. Full article

The relationship between ADHD—in particular hyperactivity—and criminal behavior is well documented. The current study investigated the role of criminogenic cognitions in the explanation of this relationship by examining which symptoms of ADHD are associated with criminogenic cognitions. Community-recruited adults (N = 192) completed self-report questionnaires for symptoms of ADHD and criminogenic cognitions. Symptoms of inattention were consistently and strongly related to criminogenic cognitions. In particular, inattention was significantly related to cutoff, cognitive indolence, and discontinuity. There was also evidence that impulsivity was positively related to criminogenic cognitions, and specifically, to the power orientation subscale. In contrast, and contrary to expectations, symptoms of hyperactivity were not related to criminogenic cognitions. These results indicate that in community-recruited adults, inattention rather than hyperactivity is related to criminogenic cognitions. We discuss the implications of these findings contrasting with those of previous studies that used forensic and clinical samples. Full article