Cognitive Mediators of Aggression

Welsh, Wayne N.; Gordon, Arthur

doi:10.1177/0093854891018002002

Cited by 21 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 18 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…While some researchers reported the existence of a link between the two (Andrews, 1996; Howells, 1989; Howells, 2004; Kroner et al 1992; Novaco, 1994; Walters, 1990; Welsh and Gordon, 1991; Zamble and Quinsey, 1997), others have disputed it (Loza and Loza-Fanous, 1999; Tice and Baumeister, 1993;). There are indications that the emotion of anger is an important influence on offending for some MSO, but the mechanisms that fuel this relationship remain unclear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An examination of the relationship between childhood abuse, anger and violent behavior among a sample of sex offenders

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundIncreasing attention has focused on the emotional dysregulation that can result from adverse childhood experiences among those who commit sexually violent crimes. While studies confirm a relationship between child maltreatment and anger the research is limited and it is unclear how anger and child maltreatment effect the use of violence during the commission of the sex crime.MethodsThis study examined the relationship between childhood maltreatment, anger and violent behavior by reviewing the records of 571 adult male offenders convicted of sexual assault or child molestation. The aims of the present study were to 1) examine differences in anger levels between those offenders who engaged in verbal or physical violence or used a weapon during the commission of their crime; 2) explore differences in anger levels for those sex offenders who experienced childhood abuse (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect) and those who were not; 3) examine whether there were differences in anger between rapists and child molesters and 4) assess whether anger either mediated or moderated the relationship between childhood abuse and the use of violence in the commission of the crime.ResultsOverall we found that sex offenders who were rated as being angrier were more likely to have used violence in the commission of their crime and were more likely to be abused as children. Further, while these relationships held for both rapists and child molesters independently, rapists were found to be angrier than child molesters. Finally, anger neither mediated nor moderated the relationship between an offender’s adverse childhood and committing a violent sex crime.ConclusionsThese results suggest that anger should be target in intervention and prevention programs with violent sex offenders.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An examination of the relationship between childhood abuse, anger and violent behavior among a sample of sex offenders

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[4] Note that although reasoned action has been used to understand alcohol use (Cooke, Sniehotta, & Schüz, 2007; Johnston & White, 2003; Marcoux & Shope, 1997) and aggression (Doane, Pearson, & Kelley, 2014; Roberto, Meyer, Boster, & Roberto, 2003; Tolman, Edleson, & Fendrich, 1996; Welsh & Gordon, 1991) as independent outcomes, we apply it to their combination as a single behavior (Bleakley et al, 2017). Note that this is the kind of “risky” population and behavior that is also used in many prototype studies, so it is especially appropriate for a comparative analysis.…”

Section: Methods and Measuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prototypes reflect normative perceptions: implications for the development of reasoned action theory

Hennessy

Bleakley

Ellithorpe

2017

Psychology, Health & Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The reasoned action approach is one of the most successful behavioral theories in the history of social psychology. This study outlines the theoretical principles of reasoned action and considers when it is appropriate to augment it with a new variable. To demonstrate, we use survey data collected from a 4–17 year old U.S. adolescents to test how the “prototype” variables fit into reasoned action approach. Through confirmatory factor analysis, we find that the prototype measures are normative pressure measures and when treated as a separate theoretical construct, prototype identity is not completely mediated by the proximal predictors of behavioral intention. We discuss the assumptions of the two theories and finally consider the distinction between augmenting a specific theory versus combining measures derived from different theoretical perspectives.

show abstract

“…First examined is the proposition that cognitions, including irrational beliefs, may mediate criminal activity. In forensic patients, a cognitive mediation model of aggression has been supported by Welsh and Gordon (1991). However, the authors also found strong support for an alternative model that holds aggression to be a function of tension and trait anger, "independent of the cognitive components of the Ajzen-Fishbein model."…”

Section: Cognitions and Offending--the Logical Case For Rebt And Cbt mentioning

confidence: 97%

The practice of rational emotive and cognitive behavior therapy with offenders

Altrows¹

1995

J Rational-Emot Cognitive-Behav Ther

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ABSTRACT. The case for rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with offenders is reviewed. Philosophical and practical problems in conducting REBT assessment and treatment with this population are identified. Suggestions regarding offender treatment address goals and content of therapy, the therapeutic relationship, overcoming client resistance, and self-care for the practitioner. Therapists of offenders are encouraged to apply REBT to themselves to increase effectiveness and reduce risk. In this regard, clinicians are offered suggestions regarding accepting the offender, maintaining a goal-oriented focus, and taking responsibility for the quality but not the outcome of their work.For several reasons, cognitive therapies may be effective with a wide range of offender groups. Erroneous assumptions and faulty cognitive processes can result in antisocial behavior (Freeman, Pretzer, Fleming, & Simon, 1990) and eventual imprisonment. Comprehensive REBT may be useful in combating irrational beliefs and associated dysfunctional emotional states that give rise to offending. Indeed Ellis (1985a) recommends changing the "basic thinking" of the offender in the direction of diminishing absolutistic thinking, increasing long range hedonism, and increasing self-acceptance. In addition, offender work is likely to elicit irrational beliefs held by therapists, leading them to react to clients with fear, pity, or contempt. Such reactions can Irwin F. Altrows is a psychologist at Kingston Psychiatric Hospital and in private practice. He is an Associate Fellow and Training Faculty Member of the Institute for Rational-Emotive Therapy.

show abstract

Cognitive Mediators of Aggression

Cited by 21 publications

References 18 publications

An examination of the relationship between childhood abuse, anger and violent behavior among a sample of sex offenders

An examination of the relationship between childhood abuse, anger and violent behavior among a sample of sex offenders

Prototypes reflect normative perceptions: implications for the development of reasoned action theory

The practice of rational emotive and cognitive behavior therapy with offenders

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About