The relationship between cognitive variables and offending behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundInterventions for offenders with intellectual disabilities (ID) have used cognitive variables as measures of treatment outcome. However, the relevance of cognitive variables to offending in people with intellectual disabilities is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for a relationship between cognitive variables and offending in people with intellectual disabilities.MethodA systematic search identified studies comparing offenders and non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities on an aspect of cognition. Seven cognitive variables were found and compared across 15 studies. These were appraised for their quality using an adapted quality appraisal checklist. The reliability and validity of cognitive measures were also considered.Results and conclusionsOther than for cognitive distortions, the evidence for a relationship between cognitive variables and offending in people with intellectual disabilities is currently limited due to methodological weaknesses and the small number of studies assessing each variable. Clinicians are advised to focus on cognitive distortions until better evidence is available.

Patterns of risk—Using machine learning and structural neuroimaging to identify pedophilic offenders

“…Therefore, dysfunctional behavior, such as pre-occupation with sexual pedophilic themes, continuous consumption of child pornography, or even pedophilic reoffending, could possibly further negatively impact or strengthen this WM microstructure pattern. In contrast, lifestyle changes and psychotherapeutic interventions such as the BEDIT program ( 98 ), the Good Lives Model ( 95 ), or other types of psychosocial support could potentially lead to behavioral changes, which might eventually be reflected in changes in the WM microstructure pattern.…”

How effective are interventions at enhancing empathy for service users with an intellectual disability who engage in sexually abusive behaviour? A review of the literature

“…Studies have further suggested individuals with intellectual disabilities have less empathy compared to people without intellectual disabilities (Bachara, 1976; Eyuboglu et al, 2018; Langdon et al, 2011). Again, the relationship between intellectual disabilities, empathy and sexual offending is complex with research producing inconsistent findings (Hammond & Beail, 2020). Offenders with intellectual disabilities (sexual and non‐sexual) have been shown to have lower empathy than non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities, offenders without intellectual disabilities and non‐offenders (Bachara, 1976; Langdon et al, 2011).…”