The points of view expressed in this research report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Correctional Service of Canada. Target thinking, not behaviour. The model is based on a substantial body of research indicating that many offenders do not seem to have acquired a number of cognitive skills essential to social adaptation.
Offenders also have difficulty with social perspective-taking.
They often seem unable to look at the world through another person's perspective and they don't seem to be able to distinguish their own emotional states and thoughts from those of others. With respect to cognitive style, offenders seem to reflect a tendency towards concrete rather than abstract thinking. The evidence also indicates that offenders are lacking in interpersonal problem-solving skills. In addition, they have not acquired adequate critical reasoning and planning skills. Because the model directly targets the thinking styles that appear to be responsible for sustaining criminal behaviour, it is regarded as a very promising development in corrections.