Anger and Criminal Thinking Patterns among Adult Probationers

Cucolo, Jessica (2008) Anger and Criminal Thinking Patterns among Adult Probationers. Master's, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between anger and criminal thinking among offenders. Adult probationers were recruited from the Office of Probation in Hartford, Connecticut. The sample consisted of 108 adult probationers. The probationers first signed an informed consent form, and then completed two measures, the Anger Disorder Scale: short version (ADS: S) and the Criminogenic Thinking Profile (CTP). Scores on both scales were analyzed to determine the level of anger and criminal thinking among probationers, and if there is a relationship between anger and criminal thinking dimensions. Overall, a positive relationship exists between anger and criminal thinking, in that higher levels of anger correlate with higher levels of criminal thinking. Specific associations were found between anger dimensions of anger-in, expressiveness, and vengeance and discrete patterns of criminal thinking. High levels of vengeance correlated with high levels of criminal thinking including, poor judgment, disregarding others, emotional disengagement, reckless impulsivity, and overall criminal thinking. Inability to cope correlated with reactivity/expression of anger and anger-in, anger-in also had a positive correlation with disregarding others. These findings are important for helping in treatment and intervention decision making for probationers with criminal thinking and anger issues.