[Psychopathy and evaluation of violent behavior in a psychiatric security milieu]

Encephale. 1998 May-Jun;24(3):173-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

This study examines risks of violent behavior among 62 offenders in a belgian psychiatric security institution. Two variables were assessed as predictor of the subjects' history of violent behavior recorded in their medical files: (1) subjective classification as "violent" vs "non-violent" by care taking personnel; and (2) scores on Hare's (1991) Revised Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R). The study assessed also the score of the Michigan Actuarial Scale of Violent Behavior (MARSS) which was not considered as predictor. The PCL-R, the subjective classification and the MARSS were found to be highly intercorrelated. Regression analysis suggest that the PCL-R is a significant predictor of violent behavior. The use of this instrument for the prediction of violent behavior is thus encouraged.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology*
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / rehabilitation
  • Belgium
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prisoners / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk Factors
  • Security Measures / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Violence / prevention & control
  • Violence / psychology*