Presenting a Conceptual Model of Criminal Cognitive-Perceptual Structures in Cybercriminals Based on Their Life Narrative Analysis

The aim of this study is to present a conceptual model of criminal cognitive-perceptual structures in cybercriminals based on their life story analysis. These structures refer to the choices of the individual, and in the case of criminals, the decision to commit a crime is influenced by these thoughts and their values.

This study was a qualitative study using life narrative analysis with a pluralistic approach. The statistical population consisted of 23 cybercriminals arrested by FATA Police in 2018 and 2019. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and McAdams (2001) narrative analysis interview was used to collect individualschr('39') life narratives. Data analysis was performed according to Strauss and Corbin coding instructions.

In the studied cybercriminals, cognitive-perceptual structures in different psychological domains, coping styles, insight, identity style, defense mechanisms to justify crime on criminal attitudes as the main causes of occurrence were found to be effective in occurring and maintaining criminal behavior.

The results of the present study showed that maladaptive cognitive-perceptual structures can exist that may not even cross the threshold of mental illness, but affect guilt and create or perpetuate criminal behavior. Criminals have a special kind of thinking by which they formulate and interpret the thoughts and perceptions they have of their environment and thereby give them meaning.