Towards a typology of homicides on the basis of personality

Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained by examination of 112 homicide convicts in a penitentiary institution. The following psychodiagnostic instruments were applied: standardized interview, MMPI, and S-R scales of morality and aggressiveness. A series of demographic, criminological, victimological, sociopathological, and psychiatric data, classified into twenty-six variables, was gathered by reviewing police files. On the basis of typical MMPI profiles, the subjects were classified into four groups: psychoses, hypersensitive-aggressive personalities, psychopaths, and 'normal' subjects. Factor analysis was carried out using the personality variables and other relating to criminality etc. Six factors were interpretable, each describing more closely the types suggested. Discriminant function analysis proved this typological classification to be justified. The role of aggression and psychopathological factors in homicide etiology is discussed. © 1992 The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Delinquency.