Günter Hinrichs

Does the three-factor model of psychopathy identify a problematic subgroup of young offenders?

The present study tests the utility of the personality-based three-factor model of psychopathy according to the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV). This model of psychopathy excludes aspects of criminal behavior as opposed to other models of psychopathy. The main research question was to what extent the three-factor model of psychopathy can identify a problematic subgroup of young offenders. The sample consisted of 148 incarcerated young male criminal offenders, between 15 and 25 years of age (mean=19.07, SD=2.11) who were recruited from a central detention center for young offenders in a northern German county. Model-based cluster analysis of the three psychopathy factors showed that three different clusters labeled: (i) Unemotional/Impulsive-Irresponsible, (ii) Low traits, and (iii) Psychopathic personality, had the best fit to the data. The psychopathic personality cluster with high scores on all three factors of the PCL:SV exhibited, as expected, a significantly higher prevalence of conduct disorder and substance use problems, but was not significantly different from the other clusters on past criminality and previous incarcerations. In conclusion, the results showed that the three-factor model of psychopathy can be useful in identifying a problematic subgroup of young offenders.

The Prevalence of Mental Disorders in a German Sample of Male Incarcerated Juvenile Offenders

The current study investigated the prevalence of mental disorders among incarcerated juvenile offenders in Germany and sought to identify clinically relevant subgroups. In sum, 149 newly incarcerated male juvenile delinquents (M age = 19 years) were included. Diagnostic tools included the German version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and the Psychopathy Checklist—Screening Version. The most prevalent diagnoses in the sample included conduct disorders (81%), Cluster B personality disorders (up to 62%), and substance-related disorders (up to 60%). Moreover, psychopathic features were found among 21% of the participants. Cluster analysis distinguished three subgroups among this group of young offenders. The most problematic consisted of juveniles with multiple psychopathology, including antisocial traits, personality pathology, higher scores on the Psychopathy Checklist, as well as multiple substance abuse. Study outcomes are discussed in light of their implications for the development of effective treatment for juvenile offenders.

Are there age-related effects in antisocial personality disorders and psychopathy?

We investigated possible age differences in the frequency of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and of psychopathy according to Hares criteria and its constituent features: In a cross-sectional study 226 male violent offenders, detained in adult or youth custody, were investigated using the Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL:SV) and the SCID II Interview. Their ages ranged from 18 to 59 years. Total PCL:SV score was negatively correlated with age. ANOVA showed that total PCL scores for three age groups differed significantly. Both effects were due entirely to Factor 2 of the PCL. Factor 1 was not related to age. The frequency of ASPD was also lower among older prisoners. The relationship with age was similar to that of PCL:SV Factor 2. These results point to age-related effects in psychopathy and suggest that different aspects of psychopathy follow different developmental courses. The results of our group comparison suggest that the different subfacets of psychopathy are not stable over time to the same extent. In order to make statements about the course of intraindividual development, however, longitudinal studies would be required.

Multidimensional Assessment of Young Male Offenders in Penal Institutions

On the assumption of psychotherapy indication, a multidimensional assessment was carried out in a study group consisting of 103 imprisoned male offenders (mean age 20.8 years). It included a demographic and personal history inventory, psychological tests, and diagnosis according to the multiaxial classification. In addition, psychotherapy adherence was categorized, and therapy objectives were formulated. Participants showed multiple developmental risk factors and average-to-good results in language-free IQ-test scores. Furthermore, they displayed a more-pronounced negative attitude to life and higher rates of aggression toward themselves. Main ICD-10 disorders included personality and behavior disorders, substance use disorders, conduct disorders, and emotional disorders. The spectrum of psychiatric morbidity within the psychotherapy group was largely comparable with that of imprisoned and forensic populations, whereas the total prevalence was slightly higher. A quarter of the original sample failed after five test sessions to fulfill the final indication for a subsequent psychotherapeutic treatment.

Therapiemotivation, Psychische Belastung und Persönlichkeit bei Inhaftierten des Jugendvollzuges

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Therapiemotivation spielt fur den Verlauf und Erfolg von Behandlungsmasnahmen eine entscheidende Rolle. Fragestellung: Deshalb wurde der Frage nachgegangen, mit welchen psychischen Merkmalen (Psychische Belastung, Personlichkeit) die Therapiemotivation bei jungen Haftlingen zusammenhangt. Methode: Es wurden 217 mannliche Inhaftierte des Jugendvollzuges bezuglich der psychischen Befindlichkeit (KASSL, BSI), der Personlichkeit (NEO-FFI; SKID-II Fragebogen), haftspezifischer Variablen und der Therapiemotivation (TMSF) untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen Zusammenhang zur Therapiemotivation fur die Variablen Erwartung der Therapiewirksamkeit, psychische Belastung, Neurotizismus sowie fur dependente, depressive, schizotypische, negativistische und Borderline-Personlichkeitsanteile. Schlussfolgerungen: Inhaftierte des Jugendvollzuges sind bzgl. intramuraler Behandlung nicht prinzipiell unmotiviert. Die Therapiemotivation bei Inhaftierten hangt jedoch nu...

Identifiziert das Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) eine klinisch bedeutsame Untergruppe junger Straftäter

Objective Does the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory identify one or more high-risk subgroups among young offenders? Which recommendations for possible courses of action can be derived for individual clinical or forensic cases? Method: Model-based cluster analysis (Raftery, 1995) was conducted on a sample of young offenders (N = 445, age 14–22 years, M = 18.5, SD = 1.65). The resulting model was then tested for differences between clusters with relevant context variables of psychopathy. The variables included measures of intelligence, social competence, drug use, and antisocial behavior. Results: Three clusters were found (Low Trait, Impulsive/Irresponsible, Psychopathy) that differ highly significantly concerning YPI scores and the variables mentioned above. The YPI Scores Δ Low = 4.28 (Low Trait – Impulsive/Irresponsible) and Δ High = 6.86 (Impulsive/Irresponsible – Psychopathy) were determined to be thresholds between the clusters. Conclusions The allocation of a person to be assessed within the calculated clusters allows for an orientation of consequent tests beyond the diagnosis of psychopathy. We conclude that the YPI is a valuable instrument for the assessment of young offenders, as it yields clinically and forensically relevant information concerning the cause and expected development of psychopathological behavior.

Psychotherapie mit Sexualdelinquenten

Der nachfolgende Beitrag mochte eine Ubersicht zum genannten Thema geben, indem zunachst Ausgangspunkte skizziert werden, dann wird es um Begriff und Person des Sexualstraftaters sowie psychotherapeutische Vorgehensweisen gehen, es folgen dann Ausfuhrungen zu Evaluation, justizieller Einbindung und Versorgungsaspekten, bis schlieslich zukunftige Perspektiven entlang der vorausgegangenen Punkte entwickelt werden.