The study aimed to examine the thinking patterns of 255 male convicted offenders over 14 years. Interviews found that criminals have distinct thinking patterns compared to non-criminals, including feeling restless and irritable, seeing requests as impositions, wanting excitement at any cost, and lacking empathy. Criminals were also found to be poor decision-makers who deny responsibility. While most dropped out, only 9 changed after the program, suggesting criminals have ingrained cognitive processes leading to a distorted self-image and criminal choices.

1. Yochelson and SamenowA study of thinking patterns in criminals

2. The evidence base for criminal thinking patterns has been heavily influenced by the work of two doctors working with criminals in a mental hospital. Their project spanned 14 years and has been published in stages in a series of books.

3. Aims...To understand the make-up of the criminal personality.

4. To establish techniques that could be used to alter the personality disorders that produce crime.

5. To encourage an understanding of legal responsibility.

6. To establish techniques that can be effective in preventing criminal behaviour. Participants... The study was based on 255 male participants from various backgrounds: black, white, those from the inner city, those from the suburbs, wealthy, poor, etc. Were all evaluated. The population of studied offenders was composed of those confined to the hospital who has been found guilty but because of there insanity were considered more suited to indefinite secure treatment, as well as a roughly equal number of convicted criminals who were not confined to the institution. If they were found not guilty by reason of insanity, the prisoners are not sent to prison but instead to a secure mental hospital as in the case in the UK.

7. Participants continued... They are not considered incapable of guilt because they do not meet the criteria for mensrea, even though they have committed a criminal act. The other criminals did not use the plea. There was no control group of non-criminals to see if they also has these thought patterns.

8. Methodology... A series of interviews was conducted with the participants over a seven year period.

9. Selected findings...According to Yochelson and Samenow, criminals...Are restless, dissatisfied and irritable

10. While at school, considered requests from their teachers and parents as impositions

11. Continually set themselves apart from others