Gender differences in theory of mind, empathic understanding, and moral reasoning in an offending and a matched non-offending population

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Spencer, K.A., Bull, R., Betts, L.R. ORCID: 0000-0002-6147-8089 and Winder, B. ORCID: 0000-0002-9118-679X, 2021. Gender differences in theory of mind, empathic understanding, and moral reasoning in an offending and a matched non-offending population. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. ISSN 0306-624X

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X211010287

Abstract

Previous research suggests that a lack of pro-social skills is characteristic of an offending personality. Two hundred male and female offenders and matched controls completed measures to assess: Theory of Mind, empathic understanding, and moral reasoning. Significant differences between the offenders and the control group, as well as between the male and female participants, were detected in theory of mind, empathic understanding and moral reasoning with offenders scoring lower than the control group, and with males scoring lower than females on most tests. The ability to assess Theory of Mind, empathic understanding, and moral reasoning, and subsequently to identify reduced ability, is not only useful for researchers but will also allow practitioners to tailor existing (or develop new) interventions specific to the needs of individuals. This could be particularly useful in terms of recidivism when applied to those involved in anti-social or offending behaviour.

Item Type:

Journal article

Alternative Title:

3 prosocial skills according to gender and status [running head]

Publication Title:

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

Creators:

Spencer, K.A., Bull, R., Betts, L.R. and Winder, B.

Publisher:

SAGE Publications

Date:

15 April 2021