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Abstract

We examined the psychological characteristics of homicide offenders (n = 95) compared with incarcerated samples of rapists (n = 232) and generally violent men (n = 97) using the original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), its Overcontrolled Hostility (O-H) scale, and the Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI). Prominent MMPI elevations were found on scales 4 and 8 for each group. While general violent offenders had the highest BDHI scores, there were no differences among groups in O-H. Cluster analyses revealed a disordered and nondisordered homicide offender type. Results are discussed in light of extant findings with directions for applied homicide offender research.

Keywords

homicide hostility mental health mental illness murder typology

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An Examination of Mental Health,Hostility,and Typology in Homicide Offenders

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