Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/57382
Citations | ||
Scopus | Web of Science® | Altmetric |
---|---|---|
?
|
?
|
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 |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.