An exploration of the role of cognitive, behavioural and emotional processes in people with psychotic disorders who commit offences

There is growing research evidence about the role of cognitive, behavioural and emotional factors in psychotic disorders. This has led to the development of successful assessment and treatment packages for people with psychosis based on the CBT model. Research has attempted to use this model to examine crimes committed by people with psychotic disorders. This relationship remains controversial and is widely debated. The current study aimed to draw together the literature on CBT in psychosis and on mentally disordered offenders to further investigate the nature of any interaction. This has implications for successful outcome with this population. It was hypothesised that cognitive, behavioural and emotional measures would differ across three groups comprising non-offenders and people with minor and major offending histories. Twenty six subjects were recruited from a secure psychiatric forensic unit and general psychiatric services; all subjects completed five measures. The Locus of Control questionnaire and Conviction of Beliefs scale were used to examine cognitive processes; the Coping Responses Inventory and clinical interview were used to examine behavioural processes and the Beck Depression Inventory-2nd edition and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to examine emotional processes. Analyses using parametric and non-parametric tests were not significant; results are interpreted in light of methodological difficulties. Results were discussed in the context of relevant literature, clinical utility and future research