Journal article
Non-sex offenders display distorted thinking and have empathy deficits too: A thematic analysis of cognitions and the application of empathy
Journal of Sexual Aggression, Vol.19(1), pp.81-101
2013
Abstract
It is generally assumed that empathy acts to disinhibit behaviour that could be perceived as detrimental to others, and as a result is a common feature of offender treatment programmes. The present research hypothesised that empathy in all populations is both a situational and a selective process that is ultimately governed by self-interest, and further, that it is the nature of the self-interest that distinguishes individuals rather than a general empathy deficit per se. Empathic processes were observed in a non-offending population in a personal situation normally regarded as evocative of empathy: infidelity. Thematic analysis of data from individuals who reported being faithful or unfaithful to their partners revealed five dominant themes: vulnerable predisposition, emotional motivators, rational emotive decision making, avoiding cognitive dissonance and lack of remorse. The themes all revealed how individuals employed cognitive strategies, which were managed by self-interest that functioned to create cognitive states devoid of empathy.
Details
- Title
- Non-sex offenders display distorted thinking and have empathy deficits too: A thematic analysis of cognitions and the application of empathy
- Authors
- Kate Walker (Author) - Coventry University, United KingdomSarah J Brown (Author) - Coventry University, United Kingdom
- Publication details
- Journal of Sexual Aggression, Vol.19(1), pp.81-101
- Publisher
- Routledge
- DOI
- 10.1080/13552600.2011.618276
- ISSN
- 1355-2600
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Criminology - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451104102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Criminology & Penology
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