Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

The hypothesis that male incest perpetrators represent a heterogeneous population characterized by subtypes was investigated. Specifically, the variable of admission versus nonadmission to the incestuous offense was studied. The 13 MMPI clinical and validity scales and three derived MMPI defensiveness indices were used as predictors of perpetrator admission status. A Multivariate Discriminant Function analysis was performed, which was successful in separating 20 admitting from 20 nonadmitting Ss. Both perpetrating groups were also successfully separated from 20 mental health outpatients who comprised a comparison group. The overall correct classification rate for the three groups was 75%. Psychometric and case history correlates for each perpetrator group were discussed in terms of their implications for treatment and for incestuous family system dynamics.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Erickson, W. D. , Walbek, N. H. , & Seely, R. K. (1987). The life histories and psychological profiles of 59 incestuous stepfathers. Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 15, 349-357.

Goeke, J. M. , & Boyer, M. C. (1993). The failure to construct an MMPI-based incest perpetrator scale. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 37(3), 271-277.

Groff, M. G. , & Hubble, L. M. (1984). A comparison of father-daughter and stepfather-stepdaughter incest. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 11, 461-475.

Hall, G. C. N. (1989). WAIS-R and MMPI profiles of men who have sexually assaulted children: Evidence of limited utility. Journal of Personality Assessment, 53, 404-412.

Hall, G. C. N. , Graham, J. R. , & Shepherd, J. B. (1991). Three methods of developing MMPI taxonomies of sexual offenders. Journal of Personality Assessment, 56, 2-13.

Hollingshead, A. B. (1975). Four factor index of social status. Unpublished manuscript, Yale University, Department of Sociology, New Haven, CT.

Hunter, J. A. , Childers, S. E. , Gerald, R. , & Esmaili, H. (1990). An examination of variables differentiating clinical subtypes of incestuous child molesters. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 34, 95-104.

Kirkland, K. D. , & Bauer, C. A. (1982). MMPI traits of incestuous fathers. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 38, 645-649.

Lanyon, R. I. , & Lutz, R. W. (1984). MMPI discrimination of defensive and nondefensive felony sex offenders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 52, 841-843.

10.

Madonna, P. G. , Van Scoyk, S. , & Jones, D. P. H. (1991). Family interactions within incest and non-incest families. American Journal of Psychiatry, 148(1), 46-49.

11.

Mayer, A. (1985). Sexual abuse: Causes, consequences and treatment of incestuous and pedophilic acts. Holmes Beach, FL: Learning Publications.

12.

Mayer, A. (1988). Sex offenders: Approaches to understanding and management. Holmes Beach, FL: Learning Publications.

13.

Panton, J. H. (1978). Personality differences appearing between rapists of adults, rapists of children, and non-violent sexual molesters of female children. Research Communications in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Behavior, 4, 385-393.

14.

Panton, J. H. (1979). MMPI profile configurations associated with incestuous and non-incestuous child molesting. Psychological Reports, 45, 335-338.

15.

Scott, R. L. , & Stone, D. A. (1986). MMPI profile constellations in incest families. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 364-368.

16.

Toobert, S. , Bartelme, K. F. , & Jones, E. S. (1959). Some factors related to pedophilia. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 4, 272-279.

Incest Perpetrator MMPI Profiles and the Variable of Offense Admission Status

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References