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Showing papers in "International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology in 1996"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the predictive validity of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) was explored in a group of 536 medium-security prison inmates, and scores on six of the eight clinical scales were observed to correlate with future disciplinary problems in this sample of subjects.
Abstract: The predictive validity of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) was explored in a group of 536 medium-security prison inmates. Scores on six of the eight PICTS clinical scales were observed to correlate with future disciplinary problems in this sample of subjects. Although age was a more potent predict or of disciplinary status, several of the PICS scales displayed predictive efficacy independent of that attained with the age variable. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to continued development of the PICTS instrument.

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated 20 years of empirical data involving demographic and parental correlates of sexual offenders, and identified three offender subtypes, pedophilic, sexual assault, and mixed-offence youth.
Abstract: This study, employing meta-analysis, investigates 20 years (1973-1993) of empirical data involving demographic and parental correlates of youthful sexual offenders. Three offender subtypes, pedophilic, sexual assault, and mixed offense youth, are identified. Pedophilic youth are described as being principally Caucasian, living in foster care, and having an education of < sixth grade. They tend to be from lower to mid socioeconomic status (SES) maladaptive families. Mothers of these youth have been physically abused as children, and fathers abuse drugs. Sexual assault youth come from low-to mid-SES, single parent, dysfunctional families with fathers abusing alcohol. These youth are most often Caucasian. Mixed offense offenders are predominately from lower SES families, are Caucasian, Protestant, and have

85 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors assesses the differences between recidivism for adolescent perpetrators of sexual assault against children as compared to adolescents perpetrators of rape and find no evidence of significant differences between the success with either group of offenders.
Abstract: This study assesses the differences between recidivism for adolescent perpetrators of sexual assault against children as compared to adolescent perpetrators of rape. The study finds, with a 2-year minimum follow-up, no evidence of significant differences between the success with either group of offenders. This holds true both for general recidivism and for recidivism of sexual assaultas well as for type and length of sentence for those that reoffended.

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The first attempt to implement a cognitive-behavioural rehabilitation programme within a British probation service is described and evaluated.
Abstract: Correctional practitioners and researchers increasingly advocate the use of programmes based on cognitive-behavioural methods One approach in widespread use is the "Reasoning and Rehabilitation" model developed in Canada This article describes and evaluates the first attempt to implement such a programme within a British probation service Evaluation of the programme has included staff views, consumer views, and a reconviction study Information arising from these is summarised and assessed, with suggestions about future practice

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The childhood victimization of sex offenders was investigated in this paper, where the victimization experiences were recorded from a treatment milieu for sex offenders, and two hundred and eighty-six offenders were involved in the study.
Abstract: The childhood victimization of sex offenders was investigated. The victimization experiences were recorded from a treatment milieu for sex offenders. Two hundred and eighty-six offenders were involved in the study. Comparisons were done between groups to determine relationships between alienation, dissociation, social desirability, and victimization experiences. Seventy percent of the sample admitted to being sexually abused as a child, 50% admitted to physical abuse. Offenders who were both sexually and physically abused reported feeling more alienated than other offenders. Offenders who were physically abused by both parents reported higher levels of dissociation and offenders who reported no abuse also were highest in social desirability. The importance of working with the offenders' childhood victimization experience is discussed.

60 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship among prison adjustment, response-outcome and self-efficacy beliefs, cognitive coping style, and circumstantial variables (time served, age, and education) for 48 inmates who were in an anger management program.
Abstract: This study examined the relationships among prison adjustment, response-outcome and self-efficacy beliefs, cognitive coping style, and circumstantial variables (time served, age, and education) for 48 inmates who were in an anger management program. The number of "disciplinaries" received and the level of negative affect of participants correlated with (a) a belief that behavior did not affect treatment in prison, (b) a belief that it was not possible to control one's own behavior, (c) a tendency to blame others when unpleasant events occur, and (d) longer time served in prison.

44 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prevalence of childhood conduct disorder (CD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was studied in a sample of 100 adult maximum-security inmates as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The prevalence of childhood conduct disorder (CD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was studied in a sample of 100 adult maximum-security inmates. Inmate criminal and developmental history was obtained using interviews and records, and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) was administered to assess childhood ADHD. It was found that 63% of the sample met DSM-IV criteria for childhood CD, whereas 41% were either treated or assessed for childhood ADHD. Significant comorbidity was found between childhood CD and ADHD, but CD was the only significant predictor of adult criminality. CD and non-CD inmates differed significantly in juvenile and adult criminal behavior, age of first arrest, substance abuse, and violence. The WURS indicated significant validity in identifying childhood ADHD and CD as well as substance abuse and criminality. These findings are discussed in tenrs of methodological difficulties and the adult consequences of childhood disruptive behavior disorders.

41 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the usefulness of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) for classifying adolescent offenders based on psychopathy was investigated with 101 male juvenile delinquents committed to a state training school.
Abstract: The usefulness of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) for classifying adolescent offenders based on psychopathy was investigated with 101 male juvenile delinquents committed to a state training school. It was hypothesized that MMPI-A scales could indicate psychopathy as classified by Hare's Psychopathy ChecklistRevised (PCL-R). Using two-group discriminant function analysis on 15 MMPI-A scales to predict psychopathy as measured by the PCL-R, the results indicated that although statistically the MMPI-A may be usefulfor the prediction ofpsychopathy in a population of chronic, severe, juvenile offenders, practically there are no significant differences between MMPI-A scores of psychopaths and nonpsychopaths. Further, there is some question concerning the ability of the MMPI-A to differentiate chronic delinquents from "normal" adolescents.

28 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identified risk factors associated with parasuicide in a state prison setting that might provide direction and focus for prevention, and proposed a model tested the ability of current clinical and background variables to predict parasusicide during incarceration among male inmates.
Abstract: The study was conducted to identify risk factors associated with parasuicide in a state prison setting that might provide direction and focus for prevention. A proposed model tested the ability of current clinical and background variables to predict parasuicide during incarceration among male inmates. Psychiatric history, symptomatology, and psychological functioning variables affected parasuicide directly and indirectly through their contribution to suicidal ideation. Among inmates with histories of alcohol abuse, however, hopelessness was a less significant predictor of parasuicide, suggesting that interaction effects may warrant more attention.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a cognitive program at a state correctional institution was evaluated and the program points to the benefits of cognitive skill development as inmates reflect on rejoining their families, identifying problems, recognizing resources for solving problems, and thinking of alternative ways to respond.
Abstract: This article evaluates a cognitive program at a state correctional institution. The program points to the benefits of cognitive skill development as inmates reflect on rejoining their families. Inmates are instructed on identifying problems, recognizing resources for solving problems, and thinking of alternative ways to respond as they apply principles of practical reasoning to everyday problems families experience. The development, implementation, and evaluation of the program and the implications for professionals and students are discussed.

23 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper evaluated a treatment program, Relating Without Violence (RWV), designed to ameliorate psychological and emotional factors believed to contribute to domestic violence and strengthen conflict resolution skills in perpetrators of domestic violence.
Abstract: This study evaluated a treatment program, Relating Without Violence (RWV), designed to (a) ameliorate psychological and emotional factors believed to contribute to domestic violence and (b) strengthen conflict resolution skills in perpetrators of domestic violence. Subjects were 57 perpetrators who participated in RWV, 20 perpetrators who did not, and 24 offenders with no history of any violence. Measures included the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), the Personality Research Form (PRF), and the Adapted Conflict Tactics Scale (ACTS). The abusive-treatment group demonstrated greater improvement on the ACTS and the PRF Aggression and Defendance Scales than the untreated abusive group. All three groups improved on the TSCS, PRF Impulsivity, and PRF Nurturance. It was concluded that the program met its treatment objectives. However, a limitation of the study was the lack of postrelease follow-up to examine effects on domestic violence in the community.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Based on the findings from the researchers' field observations and interviews, this article found that the massive rural-urban migration has challenged the previously effective control system and raised a strong demand for change.
Abstract: A new social problem of transient population from countryside is associated with a significant increase in the crime rate and fear of crime in major Chinese cities. Based upon the findings from the researchers' field observations and interviews, this study found that the massive rural-urban migration has challenged the previously effective control system and raised a strong demand for change. The Chinese experience in dealing with transient population further supports the control perspective: Both internal and external control are critical for preventing crime as well as fostering law-abiding behaviors.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the cycle of sexual abuse in a sample of 42 males with histories of abuse and found a considerably higher prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among sexual perpetrators with the abuse generally being more extensive and severe.
Abstract: The literature suggests that the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among sexual perpetrators is higher than that found among the general male population. However, there is a paucity of empirical research comparing sexual perpetrators to other perpetrators and community samples. Research on the specific characteristics of sexual abuse experiences is limited. 7he purpose of the present exploratory study was to further examine the cycle of sexual abuse in a sample of 42 males with histories of sexual abuse. Sexual perpetrators, nonsexual perpetrators, and nonperpetrators completed a sexual victimization survey on the nature of their abuse experiences. Findings revealed a considerably higher prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among sexual perpetrators with the abuse generally being more extensive and severe in nature. Results appear to lend support to the sexual abuse cycle and may have important implications for clinicians and researchers involved in the sexual abuse area

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the relationship between these prototypes and anxiety that results from personal, professional, and job insecurity, and find that the greater this anxiety and insecurity, the more likely a staff member is to be punitively oriented.
Abstract: A previous article described five relationship prototypes, ranging from punitive to integrative, that exist between prison staff and inmates. The present study describes the relationship between these prototypes and anxiety that results from personal, professional, and job insecurity. The greater this anxiety and insecurity, the more likely a staff member is to be punitively oriented. In recent years, there has been a revival of the rehabilitation orientation in the criminal justice system The results suggest that unless measures are taken to reduce anxiety and insecurity among prison staff they will be unable to tolerate the close staff-inmate relations necessary in a rehabilitation-oriented institution.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the killing of two inmates by a third inmate in a maximum security prison in the State of Wisconsin, and conclude that the selection of inmate housing should take into consideration the past history the personality, and the possible psychopathology of the inmate.
Abstract: The authors report the killing of two inmates by a third inmate in a maximum security prison in the State of Wisconsin. All three had been sentenced to life imprisonmentfor murder, and one was a notorious serial killer. They touch on the variables ofjail/prison overcrowding, the psychosocial traits andpsychopathology of inmates, and theirethnicityas potentialfactors in violent crimes. They conclude that the selection of inmate housing should take into consideration the past history the personality, and the possible psychopathology of the inmate.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of minority status in the work environment (referred to as "tokenism" by R. M. Kanter) on certain markers of work-life quality among direct care staff working with juvenile delinquents in sexually segregated residential facilities were studied.
Abstract: The aim of this research was to study the effects of a majority or minority status in the work environment (referred to as "tokenism" by R. M. Kanter) on certain markers of work-life quality among direct care staff working with juvenile delinquents in sexually segregated residential facilities. A sample of 401 youth counselors (162 men and 239 women) participated in the research. Four groups of subjects representing gender majority and minorities were created: men (n = 125) and women (n = 60) working with delinquent boys, and women (n = 179) and men (n = 37) working with delinquent girls. Self-report written assessments were used to measure sources of job stress, coping, job satisfaction, and burnout. Results indicated that ratios interact with gender to create different levels of work-life quality for majority and minority men and women.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors draw attention to other causes such as sociological, institutional, and victim-oriented causes, all of which contribute to violent behaviour within the institution and give recommendations for the prevention and treatment of violence in institutions.
Abstract: Causes of violence in the institution usually have been attributed solely to violence-oriented behaviour of individuals within the institution. The article draws attention to other causes such as sociological, institutional, and victim-oriented causes, all of which contribute to violent behaviour within the institution. In this respect, the isolation of the institution from society is a relevant factor Violence caused by the organizational structure of the institution (institutional violence) is another: Unequal distribution of power, together with a high visibility of power structures, will encourage abuse of power The delinquent, too, may be violence-oriented. Lastly, the theory of "learned helplessness" provides a victim-oriented explanation of violent behaviour In this context, emphasis is laid on violence in correctional institutions, violence against the elderly, and violence in school The article gives recommendations for the prevention and treatment of violence in institutions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the possible etiology of sudden, uncharacteristic violence in adoptees and identify a "cumulative trauma" that may lead to dissociation of parts of the self including rageful feelings toward adoptive and birth parents.
Abstract: This article describes the possible etiology of sudden, uncharacteristic violence in adoptees. A "cumulative trauma " is identified that mayfoster unrealisticfantasies of the birth parents and lead to dissociation ofparts of the self including ragefulfeelings toward adoptive and birth parents. Real or perceived rejection may trigger emergence of this rage, with sometimes murderous results. Implications for the mental status defense are described.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The first forensic day treatment program in the Netherlands was started in February 1992 with a capacity of 10 clients as mentioned in this paper, and more than 40% of the clients had committed sexual offenses; the majority of the others had committed non-sexual crimes.
Abstract: The first forensic day treatment program in the Netherlands was started in February 1992 with a capacity of 10 clients. In this article, results of an ongoing evaluation study are presented. More than 40% of the clients had committed sexual offenses; the majority of the others had committed nonsexual crimes. 77Te clients exhibit symptoms of various personality disorders with high levels of hostility and general psychopathology. Assessment of treatment results reveals a substantial reduction of pathology, especially in terms of hostility and anxiety. However, a comparison of pretreatment test scores of dropouts with those of clients who have completed the program reveals that forensic day treatment may better suit the group of relatively older (225 years) child molesters with cluster C personality disorders. Younger offenders with cluster B personality disorders who had committed nonsexual crimes are over represented among the dropouts.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the temporal reliability of the Role Construct Repertory Grid Technique (Rep Grid) using a sample of incarcerated men who had committed violent offenses and found moderate temporal reliability for this assessment technique.
Abstract: The temporal reliability of the Role Construct Repertory Grid Technique (Rep Grid) was examined using a sample of incarcerated men who had committed violent offenses. The content of repeated administrations of a 10 x 20 Rep Grid was analyzed and then compared for common content. The average shared content of 64% agrees with earlier findings, but a wide range of individual variance was found. These results reveal moderate temporal reliability for this assessment technique.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors tested J. S. Wulach's suggestion that the criminal personality is a quadruple personality disorder consisting of antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic PDs.
Abstract: The authors tested J. S. Wulach's suggestion that the criminal personality is a quadruple personality disorder (PD) consisting of antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic PDs. First, forensic patients with antisocial PD were compared to patients without PD using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II (MCMI-II). Second, mean MCMI-II PD scale scores of the antisocial group were examined for clinical significance. Lastly, correlations between the Antisocial scale and all other PD scales of the MCMI-II were computed to examine patterns of association. All comparisons support Wulach `s thesis that borderline and narcissistic pathologies coexist in antisocial individuals but provide only weak support regarding the role of histrionic pathology in antisocial individuals.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article described the sociodemographic and medico-legal characteristics of 222 female criminal defendants who were wrongly referred by the courts to a forensic psychiatric service over a 10-year period and found that the typical female criminal defendant was young, poorly educated, occupationally disadvantaged, unmamed, and from a broken home.
Abstract: This article describes the sociodemographic and medicolegal characteristics of 222 female criminal defendants ref erred by the courts to a forensic psychiatric service over a 10-year period. The typical female criminal defendant was young, poorly educated, occupationally disadvantaged, unmamed, and from a broken home. Three Axis I diagnoses (schizophrenia, major affective disorder, and psychoactive substance use disorder) accounted for 55% of the psychopathology, whereas antisocial personality and borderline personality disorders accounted for 16% of personality disorders among the group. The most common charge was that of property offenses.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper investigated general perceptions of intensive correction orders by both staff and offenders, the type of offenders currently receiving ICOs, and relationships between offender characteristics and ICOs and found that ICOs are quite successful in fulfilling their stated aim of providing a credible sanction to fill the gap between community-based orders and short-term imprisonment.
Abstract: In Victoria, Australia, the intensive correction order (ICO) was introduced in the Sentencing Act of 1991. In general terms, it is suitable for offenders who are being rejected for community-based orders on the basis of their high risk and/or recidivism and who would have received short terms of imprisonment. The present study investigated general perceptions of ICOs by both staff and offenders, the type of offenders currently receiving ICOs, and relationships between offender characteristics and ICOs. It was found that ICOs are quite successful in fulfilling their stated aim of providing a credible sanction to fill the gap between community-based orders and short-term imprisonment and that ICO "target groups" such as drunken drivers are significantly represented.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a closed-ended group for inmates in Patuxent Institution, a maximum security correction facility located in Jessup, Maryland, was designed to provide a format, by which inmates could examine and discuss a series of moral dilemmas in the Kohlbergian tradition, as well as provide a vehicle by which the authors could assess the level of moral judgment employed by the group members.
Abstract: The authors initiated a closed-ended group for inmates in Patuxent Institution, a maximum security correctionalfacility located in Jessup, Maryland. This group was designed to provide aformat, by which inmates could examine and discuss a series of moral dilemmas in the Kohlbergian tradition, as well as provide a vehicle by which the authors could assess the level of moral judgment employed by the group members. Based on this experience, it was determined that the participants' moral judgments essentially reflected Stage 2 thinking, the stage often referred to as Instrumental Relativism. Furthermore, the analysis showed that a significant correlation existed between the inmates'stage of moral development and recorded institutional infractions, a general measure of institutional adjustment. The present essay summarizes observations related to the nature of these moral judgments made by the inmate participants and speculates on the interrelationship of these judgments to past criminality and institutional ad...

Journal ArticleDOI
Efrat Shoham1
TL;DR: Findings indicate that the kibbutz is no longer felt to be the safe haven that the members have believed it to be during the greater part of its existence.
Abstract: Until recently, acts of rape were considered to be contradictory to the basic conception of the kibbutz as a society whose members do not become involved in serious crime. This study attempts to examine the preconceptions of rape of kibbutz youth as compared to those of middle-class urban youth of the same age, in respect to the victim, the assailant, and the circumstances in which the act occurred. Thefindings indicate that the kibbutz is no longer felt to be the safe haven that the members have believed it to be during the greater part of its existence.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the SSRI medication paroxetine was attempted with a small group of offenders in a community-based program about half the offenders dropped out after one or two sessions, but 14 completed 3 months of treatment.
Abstract: Recidivism rates for offenders constantly reflect disappointment. In an effort to reduce the rate of recidivism, the SSRI (selective seroton in reuptake inhibitor) medication paroxetine was attempted with a small group of offenders in a community-based program About half the offenders dropped out after one or two sessions, but 14 completed 3 months of treatment. These had a reduction in depressive and obsessive-conpulsive disorder symptoms, but it is difficult to determine the impact on the total rehabilitation program for the offenders. The implications for further research and clinical work are discussed


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a critical analysis is presented of a study purporting to show that juveniles who are adjudicated delinquent at first offence are less likely to go on to prison in adulthood than are first offenders who are more leniently treated.
Abstract: A critical analysis is presented of a study purporting to show that juveniles who are adjudicated delinquent at first offence are less likely to go on to prison in adulthood than are first offenders who are more leniently treated. It is argued that this study was fatally flawed in that it compared adjudicated first-offenders with only those non adjudicated first-offenders who had a record of re offending as juveniles; the exclusion from the sampling frame of non adjudicated juveniles who did not re offend precludes any evaluation of the relative prognoses of adjudicated and non adjudicated first-offenders. It is further argued that the researchers' causal conclusions, and the extension of these to the explanation of age-and race-related differences in prognosis, are fallacious, irrespective of the adequacy of the sampling frame.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focused on how the newly enacted antiamphetamines law affects the extent and nature of juvenile delinquency in Taiwan and found that the volume of delinquency has increased since 1990, the average age of official delinquents has not changed, and the gender ratio in delinquency involvement has decreased.
Abstract: In October 1990, Taiwan changed its criminal code on amphetamines, making possession and use of such substances a punishable act. Strong government intervention against amphetamines-related offenses supported by an uncritical general public has created an increasing criminal population. This article focuses on how the newly enacted antiamphetamines law affects the extent and nature ofjuvenile delinquency in Taiwan. Data arefrom the Crime Statistics compiled by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. The study found that the volume of delinquency has increased since 1990, the average age of official delinquents has not changed, and the gender ratio in delinquency involvement has decreased.