Search results for ‘Subject term:"personality disorders"’ Sort:
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Psychopathy among pedophilic and nonpedophilic child molesters
- Authors:
- STRASSBERG Donald, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 36(4), 2012, pp.379-382.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
In the public mind, child molester is synonymous with paedophile. Yet, among men who commit sexual offenses against children, at least 2 distinct groups can be identified: those who have a primary sexual interest in children (paedophiles); and those who have a primary sexual interest in adults (nonpaedophiles). Previous research has suggested that these 2 groups of sexual offenders differ in a number of important ways. The aim of this brief communication is to consider how these 2 groups differ on their level of psychopathy. It reports on a study consisting of 2 independent samples of both paedophilic and nonpaedophilic child molesters. Across these 2 samples of both types of child molesters as well as controls, a total of 104 men (53 paedophilic and 51 nonpaedophilic) who had sexually offended against a child age 13 or younger were compared to each other (and to 49 non-sex offender controls) on psychopathy using the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI). The findings in both samples showed that the nonpaedophiles scored as significantly more psychopathic than the paedophiles. These results demonstrate the importance of distinguishing between these groups of offenders.
Sexual offending and antisocial personality: exploring the link
- Author:
- GREENHALL Paul V.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 9(3), September 2007, pp.24-30.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article explores the link between sexual offending and antisocial personality. Drawing on previous research it illustrates that sex offenders with an antisocial personality are a heterogeneous group, differentiated by several factors. They victimise children, adults, or both, those who victimise adults or adults and children are more psychopathic. Varying definitions of antisocial personality confuse the research, and diagnostic comorbidity means that pure psychopathic types are probably rare.
Dangerous and severe personality disorder: antecedents and origins
- Author:
- MADEN Anthony
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(Supplement 49), May 2007, pp.s8-s11.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The origins of the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) Programme can be traced to developments in structured assessment and services for the cognitive–behavioural treatment of sexual and violent offenders in other countries. A comparison with these other services highlights the strengths and weaknesses of DSPD. The decision to use a medical model raises ethical and financial questions that may jeopardise the Programme's future.
Recalled parental bonding and personality disorders in a sample of exhibitionists: a comparative study
- Authors:
- BOGAERTS Stefan, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 17(4), December 2006, pp.636-646.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This paper renders the results of research investigating the parental sensitivity experienced and personality disorders in a sample of exhibitionists. The sample contained 33 exhibitionists as well as a matched comparison group of 33 normal subjects. Results show that parental sensitivity and some personality disorders discriminate between exhibitionists and the comparison group. Avoidant and depressive personality disorders contribute significantly to the explanation of exhibitionistic behaviour. These results contribute to the explanation of this deviant sexual conduct and to the development and differentiation of the treatment of exhibitionists. Furthermore, psychological approaches to the treatment of exhibitionism (e.g., cognitive-behavioural treatment, psychotherapy in general) are limited and cannot be expected to immediately reduce risk. Interest has been expressed in medical approaches to making such individuals safer.
Beliefs, values, and action: the judgment model of cognitive distortions in sexual offenders
- Authors:
- WARD Tony, GANNON Theresa A., KEOWN Kirsten
- Journal article citation:
- Aggression and Violent Behavior, 11(4), July 2006, pp.323-340.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
In this paper, the authors present the Judgment Model of Cognitive Distortions (JMCD), a new model of cognitive distortions that spans multiple levels of analysis and contains different types of judgments. This model proposes that cognitive distortions tend to cluster together in what we have termed Thematic Networks (TN): judgments about beliefs, values, and actions. The authors argue that the three sets of judgments cover all types of cognitive distortions apparent in sexual offenders including those revolving around content (i.e., asserting characteristics to people, the offender, the world) and cognitive operations (i.e., denial, minimization, rationalizations). Following a description of the JMCD. the authors demonstrate how it can account for the cognitive schemata identified in sexual offenders by researchers and clinicians. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the clinical and research implications of the JMCD.
Female sexual-offenders: personality pathology as a mediator of the relationship between childhood sexual abuse history and sexual abuse perpetration against others
- Authors:
- CHRISTOPHER Kelly, LUTZ-ZOIS Catherine J., REINHARDT Amanda R.
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 31(8), August 2007, pp.871-883.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The goal was to examine, in an all female sample, possible mechanisms for the relationship between a history of childhood sexual abuse and the likelihood of perpetrating sexual abuse as an adult. It was hypothesized that Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorder tendencies would mediate the relationship between these two forms of abuse. One hundred forty two female participants (61 sex-offenders and 81 non-sex offenders) were recruited from a woman's prison in the Midwest in the United States. The participants completed measures that included a childhood history of sexual abuse, socially desirable responding, primary and secondary psychopathy, and Borderline Personality Disorder tendencies. Participants in the sexual-offender group reported more frequent instances of childhood sexual abuse than participants in the non-sex offender group. Consistent with past research, childhood sexual abuse was related to Borderline Personality Disorder tendencies. However, discriminant function analyses did not reveal support for the mediational hypotheses. Finally, the results indicated that participants in the sexual-offender group experienced childhood sexual abuse for a greater duration of time than participants in the non-sex offender group. This study replicated previous research conducted on all male samples suggesting that the nature of the sexual abuse suffered in childhood is an important variable in predicting future sexual abuse perpetration.
Mental illness and personality disorder in convicted male sex offenders
- Author:
- KESTEVEN Sue
- Publisher:
- NACRO
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 24p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Sex offending is an important issue because of the serious harm and damage caused to the victims of sex offenders and because of the fears it raises among the public. This report looks at research conducted in Sweden into the prevalence of mental disorder in convicted male sex offenders. Based on the research findings, the report sets out the implications for the planning and provision of services in England and Wales, particularly that there needs to be a routine assessment of their mental health included in their treatment.
Recalled parental bonding, adult attachment style, and personality disorders in child molesters: a comparative study
- Authors:
- BOGAERTS S., VANHEULE S., DECLERCQ F.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 16(3), September 2005, pp.445-458.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article studies recalled parental bonding, adult attachment style, and personality disorders in child molesters and reports on the findings of two separate studies. The first study examines differences between a group of 84 child molesters and 80 matched normal control subjects from Belgium. This study found that the antisocial and the schizoid personality disorders are typical for the molester group, and that at an interpersonal level this group can be typified by recollections of an uncaring father and mother, recollections of an elevated level of autonomy emanating from the father, and insecure current attachment patterns. The second study compares a subgroup of personality-disordered child molesters to a subgroup without personality disorders in Belgium. This study revealed that recollections of the role of the father in parenting are decisive. The personality-disordered group reports that the father was both more uncaring and granted more autonomy. Regarding current adult attachment style, an avoidant and anxious-ambivalent attachment style characterised the disordered subgroup. The authors argue that the results can be useful for treatment. Since recalled parental experiences play a role in the development of personality disorders and child molestation, psychotherapists should integrate interpersonal tools into treatment, especially in therapeutic work with child molesters who received less parental sensitivity and suffer from personality disorders.
Between the pew and the pulpit: can personality measures help identify sexually abusive clergy?
- Authors:
- AMROM Aria, CALKINS Cynthia A., FARGO Jamison
- Journal article citation:
- Sexual Abuse a Journal of Research and Treatment, 31(6), 2019, pp.686-706.
- Publisher:
- Sage
There has been limited conclusive research examining the personality characteristics of clergy who perpetrate abuse. To address this dearth of research, the current study aimed to develop a personality profile that distinguishes clergy members who sexually abuse children from other clergy. Personality and psychopathology were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III (MCMI-III). Data were analyzed from a sample of clergy members, who comprised four comparison groups: clergy members referred to treatment for (a) child sexual abuse, (b) sexual misconduct with adults, (c) general clinical problems, or (d) routine employment evaluations with no previously identified clinical or sexual issues. While differences were found between groups, only the Aggressive/Sadistic scale of the MCMI-III consistently distinguished clerics who sexually abused children from all other clergy members. Findings are discussed in regard to the utility of the MMPI-2 and MCMI-III as a screening tool for clerical applicants for the Catholic Church. (Edited publisher abstract)
A community service for high-risk mentally disordered sex offenders
- Authors:
- CRAISSATI Jackie, BLUNDELL Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28(6), 2013, pp.1178-1200.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article provides a descriptive account of a specialist community assessment and treatment service (the Challenge project) for high-risk mentally disordered sex offenders in southeast London. It draws on various measures of personality dysfunction, including key developmental variables, a self-report personality disorder questionnaire Millon Clinical Multi-axial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) and psychopathy as measured by the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV), to describe the characteristics of the cohort of mentally disordered sex offenders. Follow-up data for those placed in treatment are reported and include consideration of treatment completion and reconviction: the relationship between personality dysfunction and a dynamic measure of risk are also explored. Of the 137 participants, 53% were placed in the community treatment project. Seventy five percent completed treatment, and were followed up for an average of 40 months. Eleven percent were sexually reconvicted, 3% violently reconvicted. Community failure was best predicted by a combination of static risk and personality-related variables. (Edited publisher abstract)