The extended mind theory of cognitive distortions in sex offenders
T. Ward
November 1, 2009 DOI: 10.1080/13552600903263087 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the extended mind theory, on which cognition extends beyond the skull and skin into the environment, carries practical implications for therapists assessing and treating sex offenders' cognitive distortions, and proposes that cognitive restructuring can be conducted according to this framework. |
Abstract
Abstract An innovative theory of the nature of cognition, the extended mind theory (EMT), has emerged recently in the cognitive science literature. According to the EMT, the boundaries of the mind extend beyond the boundaries of skull and skin, into the world beyond. My aim in this paper is to consider the practical implications of the EMT for therapists working with sex offenders’ cognitive distortions. First, I provide an overview of the key assumptions of EMT. Secondly, I draw out the major implications of this novel theory of cognition for the assessment and treatment of cognitive distortions in sex offenders. Thirdly, to make the analysis more concrete, I discuss briefly how the treatment module of cognitive restructuring could proceed according to the EMT.