Alford & Beck (1997) asserted that cognitive distortions arise from “patterns” and “predispositions”, indicating that this maladaptive pattern of thinking may be trait-like rather than state-like. This theory indicates that cognitive distortions play a pivotal role in the genesis, maintenance, and …show more content…
(Barriga, Mark & Carl, 2008; Nas, Daniel & Willem, 2005; Larden, Martin, Lennart, Ulrika & Niklass, 2006) In relation to anti-social behavior, Gibbs and Potter developed a four-category typology of cognitive distortions, which is nowadays most frequently used in this research field. First, they distinguished primary cognitive distortions, referring to self-centered attitudes and beliefs, from secondary cognitive distortions, which refer to rationalizations that serve to neutralize feelings of empathy-based guilt. Secondary cognitive distortions can preserve the self-image of the juvenile after an antisocial act and can be split up in three categories, i.e. blaming others, minimizing/mislabeling and assuming the worst. Several studies show juvenile delinquents to have more cognitive distortions than non-delinquent