Psychopathy and Violence in Criminals

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between criminal psychopathy and violent behavior. Groups were defined according to psychopathy ratings (Hare's Psychopathy Checklist) and violence. Psychopaths scored higher than nonpsychopaths on measures of impulsiveness and aggressiveness, and they were more likely than other inmates to behave aggressively, to have committed more serious past offenses, to have used weapons, threats and instrumental aggression, and to have suffered physical abuse as a child. When presented with hypothetical situations that involved a frustrating outcome, psychopaths reported that they would be more angry than nonpsychopaths, and they attributed greater hostile intent to others. Violent psychopaths were seen as qualitatively different than violent nonpsychopaths in their use of violence, yet they did not differ in terms of the seriousness of their index offense.

Psychopathy and behavior problems: A comparison of incarcerated male and female juvenile delinquents

“…Psychopathic individuals tend to demonstrate proactive violent behaviors more frequently, motivated by instrumental reasons such as material gains and revenge (e.g., Serin, 1991). Psychopathic traits, which can be defined from the dimensional point of view, refer to a manipulative, deceitful, callous and remorseless pattern that has come to be associated with a more serious, persistent and violent early-onset type of antisocial behavior, with a preference for exciting and dangerous activities (e.g., Andershed, Gustafson, Kerr, & Stattin, 2002;Frick, Kimonis, Dandreaux, & Farrel, 2003;Vitacco, Neumann, Robertson, & Durrant, 2002).…”

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM): Alternative to the PCL-R?

“…This can help guide treatment recommendations in relation to both the treatment pathway, and any responsivity needs within any treatment. Although he PCL-R is not a risk assessment tool in itself, psychopathy has been found to be a robust risk factor for future violence in a variety of diverse populations (Forth, Hart & Hare, 1990;Hill, Rogers & Bickford, 1996;Quinsey, Rice & Harris, 1995;Rice & Harris, 1992;Serin, 1991Serin, , 1996Serin & Amos, 1995). Thus, identification of psychopathic individuals is important in the criminal justice system because it guides risk management and treatment approaches to work with this sub group of offenders.…”

The impact of an intensive inpatient violent offender treatment programme on intermediary treatment targets, violence risk and aggressive behaviour in a sample of mentally disordered offenders

“…Skills may be best assessed by performance-based measures (Serin, 1991). Observer rated skills assessment measures or attention to relevant offence paralleling behaviour (Daffern, Jones, Howells, Shine, Mikton & Tunbridge, 2007) will be important for the assessment of each dynamic risk factor within the aggregate risk assessment instruments.…”