Partners or Partners in Crime? The Relationship Between Criminal Associates and Criminogenic Thinking
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2017
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Meta-analyses examining the risk factors for recidivism have identified the importance of ties with criminal associates as well as thoughts and attitudes conducive to the continuance of criminal behavior (e.g., criminogenic thinking). Criminologists have theorized that a direct relationship exists between the association with criminal peers and the development of criminogenic thinking. The present study empirically explored the relationship between criminal associates and criminogenic thinking in 595 adult male inmates in the United States. It was hypothesized that the proportion of free time spent with and number of criminal associates would be associated with criminogenic thinking, as measured by two self-report instruments, the Measure of Offender Thinking Styles–Revised (MOTS-R) and the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS). Hierarchal linear regression analyses demonstrated that the proportion of free time spent with criminal associates statistically predicted criminogenic thinking when controlling for demographic variables. The implications of these findings on correctional practice (including assessment and intervention) as well as future research are discussed.
Publication Title
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
Volume
61
Issue
5
First Page
491
Last Page
507
Recommended Citation
Whited, W. H.,
Wagar, L.,
Mandracchia, J. T.,
Morgan, R. D.
(2017). Partners or Partners in Crime? The Relationship Between Criminal Associates and Criminogenic Thinking. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 61(5), 491-507.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/17715