Citation

Lane PJ, Spruill J. Crim. Justice Behav. 1980; 7(2): 215-228.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/009385488000700207

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and an information questionnaire were administered to 110 male forensic psychiatric patients at a state hospital. Patients were divided into either the overcontrolled personality type or the undercontrolled personality type based on anamnestic data and Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) scores.

RESULTS were consistent with theoretical predictions, indicating that the overcontrolled group showed a better adjusted MMPI profile, scored higher on scales reflecting repression, denial, conscience, and inhibition of aggression, and scored lower on scales reflecting impulsivity and acting out hostility. Moreover, when overcontrolled patients engaged in assaultive behavior, they tended to commit extremely violent crimes. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of classification of psychiatric offenders and the treatment of the overcontrolled-hostile individual.

Language: en