These implicit theories function like scientific theories and are used to explain empirical regularities, for example, other people's actions, and to make predictions about the world. The theories are relatively coherent and are comprised of several interlocking ideas and their component concepts and categories. Following a review of research from other areas in psychology on implicit theories, the author considers the implications of this perspective for understanding cognitive distortions in sex offenders and discusses research and clinical implications of viewing cognitive distortions in offenders as implicit theories. 41 references