Exploring relationships between moral reasoning, distorted cognitions and problem solving in male offenders with intellectual disabilities

Background: The study explored the relationship between moral reasoning, distorted cognitions and problem solving in male offenders and non-offenders with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The psychometric properties for an adapted measure of distorted cognitions for people with IDs were explored. The difference in cognitive distortions, moral reasoning and problem solving between offenders and non-offenders were explored. Very few published studies explored these constructs in this way. Methods: A between-groups design and additional correlations were used to explore the hypotheses. Two groups were recruited: ID offenders (n=34) and ID non-offenders (n=38). Both groups completed the Socio-Moral Reflection Measure-Short Form (SRM-SF), How I Think Questionnaire (HIT) and the Social Problem Solving Inventory Short-Form (SPSI-R-SF). Results: The results indicated that offenders with IDs demonstrated Stage 2(3) reasoning when compared to non-offenders with IDs who demonstrated Stage 2 reasoning. The difference in some of the moral reasoning constructs was significant. A modified version of the HIT demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Significant positive relationships were identified between moral reasoning and problem solving, and moral reasoning and cognitive distortions for men with IDs. Conclusions: There was a relationship between moral development, cognitive distortions and problem solving and that these constructs were interdependent. The results supported Gibbs Sociomoral Stages and tentative support for Garrigan and Langdon’s Developmental Social Information Processing Model of Moral Judgement and Behaviour. An adequately powered sample size was used. Social desirability, recruitment and treatment implications were limitations. Further studies should replicate the findings, using a longitudinal design along with the adapted measures. Keywords: Intellectual disabilities; moral reasoning; moral development; cognitive distortions; problem solving

Name dc:type.qualificationname

other

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of East Anglia

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Daniel, Matthew R.

Language dc:language

en