Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/57382
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Type: Journal article
Title: Rationalizing criminal behaviour: The influence of criminal sentiments on sociomoral development in violent offenders and nonoffenders
Author: Stevenson, Sally F.
Hall, Guy
Innes, John Michael
Citation: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 2004; 48(2):161-174
Publisher: Sage Publications
Issue Date: 2004
ISSN: 0306-624X
School/Discipline: Humanities & Social Sciences Office
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Sally F. Stevenson, Guy Hall, J. M. Innes
Abstract: Cognitive developmental theory suggests that mature-level sociomoral reasoning (Stages 3 and 4) can provide a protective factor, or buffer, against antisocial and violent criminal behavior. This study explored whether the influence of internalised criminal sentiments could undermine this buffer. The sample was high-risk men and women offenders (n =99) convicted of serious violent index offences, and men and women nonoffender university students (n = 101). Moral reasoning was measured using the Sociomoral Reflection Measure-Short Form, whereas criminal sentiments were assessed using the Criminal Sentiments Scale. Based on moral reasoning development level the sample was classified into groups: mature- or immature-level moral reasoners. The results suggested that mature-level sociomoral development might not protect a person from identifying with criminal others, and that law violation could be rationalized regardless of sociomoral level. Gender differences were neither expected nor found. The applied implications of the findings are considered.
Keywords: criminal attitudes; sentiments; violent offenders; moral development; neutralizations
Description: © 2004 Sage Publications
DOI: 10.1177/0306624X03258483
Appears in Collections:Psychology publications

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