Exploring the theoretical foundations of cognitive behavioural therapy in the criminal justice system

Szifris, K ORCID: 0000-0002-5279-8072, Roberts, A ORCID: 0000-0002-2770-5786, Maruna, S ORCID: 0000-0002-4978-7073 and Fox, C ORCID: 0000-0003-1931-2058 (2025) Exploring the theoretical foundations of cognitive behavioural therapy in the criminal justice system Howard Journal of Crime and Justice, 64 (3). pp. 340-357. ISSN 2059-1098, 2059-1101

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Abstract

As the most common framework for rehabilitation internationally, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been the subject of an enormous amount of evaluation research assessing its effectiveness. Drawing on the philosophical methodology of ‘provocation’ in a series of dialogue-based workshops with CBT experts, this article assesses whether CBT is a theoretically coherent approach for rehabilitation in criminal justice. With a focus on underlying theory, we outline four key ‘adaptations’ of CBT that we argue represent a systematic shift away from the original ideas of CBT. We conclude that, while drift and adaptation can be expected in any large-scale intervention, theoretical drift has occurred without sufficient interrogation of the consequences. More specifically, in the case of CBT as practised in criminal justice systems (CJSs) today, the basic premise of how CBT works is called into question, threatening its potential value.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	4402 Criminology, 44 Human Society, Mental Health, Rehabilitation, Behavioral and Social Science, 6.6 Psychological and behavioural, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > School of Law and Social Justice
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	17 Mar 2025 15:26
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2026 05:10
DOI:	10.1111/hojo.12597
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1111/hojo.12597
Related Websites:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3190860
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