Criminal thinking styles and patterns..

Lack of self-control and high levels of impulsivity

An external locus of control, whereby the causes of their behaviour are attributed to
factors
that are beyond their control (e.g. other people or chance), rather than to themselves (an
internal locus of control)
A tendency to use a concrete, rather than an abstract, style of thinking
Poor social perspective-taking and empathy
Poor social problem-solving, and
Less mature moral reasoning.

SOCIAL INFORMATION-PROCESSING
Within this model, therefore, account is taken of the role of both cognitions (social
perceptions and social problem solving) and affect (emotions, motivations and goals). The
six steps of the model are:
1. Encoding of social cues
2. Interpretation and mental representation of the social situation
3. Clarification of goals and outcomes for the situation
4. Accessing or construction of potential responses to the situation
5. Evaluation and choice of a response for the situation, and
6. Performance of the chosen response.

SOCIAL INFORMATION-PROCESSING AND

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Immature moral reasoning
Stage 1: Unilateral and physicalistic
Reasoning refers to powerful authority figures (e.g. parents) and the physical
consequences of behaviour. Individuals show little or no perspective-taking.
Stage 2: Exchanging and instrumental
Reasoning incorporates a basic understanding of social interaction. However, this is
typically in terms of cost/benefit deals, with the benefits to the individual being of most
importance.
Mature moral reasoning
Stage 3: Mutual and prosocial
Reasoning reflects an understanding of interpersonal relationship and the
norms/expectations associated with these. Empathy and social perspective taking are
apparent, along with ideas appeals to ones own conscience.
Stage 4: Systemic and standard
Reasoning reflects an understanding of complex social systems, with appeals to
societal requirements, basic rights and values and character/integrity.