Implicit theories in intimate partner violence sex offenders: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

An increased understanding of the cognitive characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) sex offenders has important implications for clinical intervention and risk assessment in this distinct offending behaviour group. Advances in understanding cognitions in violent offenders, sex offenders, and IPV offenders have informed the development of specific offender behaviour programs. Recent research has focused on qualitative explorations of cognition, proposing implicit theories (ITs)—distinct schemas offenders hold about themselves, the world, and others. This study utilises Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to examine cognition in 11 IPV sex offenders. It identifies five superordinate and 14 subthemes, representing implicit theories specific to this offender group. These findings are discussed in relation to other offender groups and their clinical implications for intervention and risk assessment tool development.