Citation

Pollock PH. Leg. Crim. Psychol. 1999; 4(2): 185-202.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, British Psychological Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1348/135532599167842

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objectives. The present study aimed to consider the extent to which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after homicide and to examine characteristics of the offence and the offender which contribute to the development of these symptoms. It was proposed that type of violence (reactive versus instrumental) would be related to PTSD symptoms. Using Blackburn's typology of violent offenders, it was also hypothesized that primary and secondary psychopath, controlled and inhibited types would demonstrate differing forms of violence, prevalences and patterns of post-traumatic stress symptoms following the homicide.Method. Eighty homicide perpetrators were allocated equally to the four offender types based on their profiles on the Special Hospitals Assessment of Personality and Socialisation (SHAPS). Each offender completed the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Interview and the violence displayed during the index offence was classified as either reactive or instrumental.Results. Of the total sample, 52% met criteria for current PTSD. Reactive violence and reporting that the offence was traumatic were related to a current diagnosis of PTSD. Differing prevalences and patterns of PTSD symptoms were noted for Blackburn's offender types. Primary psychopaths showed instrumental violence and were the least traumatized. Secondary psychopaths were the most symptomatic, but not necessarily due to involvement in the homicide. Controlled and inhibited types both typically displayed reactive violence and had higher levels of current PTSD symptoms related to involvement in the offence itself.Conclusions. The extent to which PTSD follows homicide is a function of both personality type and form of violence. The results can be understood in terms of the cognitive model of Meichenbaum (1996) and also the defining dimensions of Blackburn's typology.

Language: en