Cognitive distortions are thinking errors which we use to minimise, justify and excuse behaviours. They can act as permission givers which can overcome our internal inhibitors e.g. conscience, moral compass. They can be referred to as mixed up or ‘wonky thinking.’
(1) Consider a common example which does not relate to sexual offending, namely speeding while driving a car. Here are some common examples of cognitive distortions:
- I know it’s a 50mph limit but I’m a good driver
- Most serious accidents don’t happen on roads like this
- No one will get hurt
- Hardly anyone sticks to the limit
- The law is wrong
- I need to drive fast – I’ve got to get there on time
- There’s no speed cameras – I won’t get caught
(2) Now consider the sorts of cognitive distortions someone might use in the case of having sexual fantasies about children.
- It’s just a fantasy, no one is getting hurt
- No one will know
- It’s okay to think about it, as I know I won’t do it in real life
- It’s not a real child, just a fantasy child
Exercise: Cognitive distortions
Make a list of your own cognitive distortions about sexual thoughts of children, and include any cognitive distortions related to your behaviour if you have ever acted on these thoughts (i.e. when you masturbated to them). When have you tried to make your ‘wonky thinking’ seem okay? How could you challenge these ‘wonky thoughts’?
