Reducing Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour: The Role of Rehabilitation (OCR GCSE Psychology): Revision Note

Rehabilitation

• Psychologists argue that punishment alone is not enough to reduce crime — offenders must change how they think and behave

• Rehabilitation addresses the underlying causes of criminal behaviour, such as:

  • poor anger control

  • lack of empathy

  • weak social or communication skills

• Through education, therapy, and community involvement, offenders can learn constructive ways of coping and reduce the risk of reoffending

• Rehabilitation promotes pro-social behaviour — caring, helping, and contributing to the well-being of others — instead of antisocial acts

Restorative justice

• Restorative justice aims to repair harm caused by crime, rather than simply punishing the offender

• It brings together the offender and victim (often face-to-face) to discuss the impact of the crime and agree on ways to make amends

• Offenders are encouraged to:

  • acknowledge responsibility for their actions

  • apologise directly to the victim

  • return stolen property, pay compensation, or carry out community service

• This process helps offenders understand the personal and emotional consequences of their actions, promoting empathy and accountability

• It also helps restore trust within the community and can reduce reoffending by reinforcing moral awareness

Use of positive role models

• Rehabilitation can also occur through the use of positive role models, who demonstrate pro-social behaviour and act as examples to imitate

• Role models can include:

  • mentors — former offenders who have successfully changed their lives

  • professionals — psychologists, probation officers, or community leaders

• According to social learning theory, offenders need to observe others behaving positively and see such behaviour being rewarded (e.g. with respect, stability, or employment)

• Positive role models provide offenders with alternative ways to gain social approval, helping to replace antisocial behaviours with socially acceptable ones