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DeLisi M. Superhomicide offenders: Nosology, empirical features, and linkages to sexual and multiple murder typologies. Behav Sci Law 2024. [PMID: 38678593 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The nosology for criminals who murder multiple victims is at once well-established and controversial, perhaps because theorists have largely segregated such offenders from the broader criminal population. The current study introduces the superhomicide offender, an individual convicted of at least five murders, to locate multiple homicide offenders within the criminological and epidemiological science pertaining to the most pathological offenders, and statistically place them with other conceptualizations of severe offenders at the 95th percentile of the offending distribution. Relative to other capital murderers, superhomicide offenders have lengthier criminal history, greater conviction history, and coextensive psychopathology characterized by psychopathy, sexual sadism, homicidal ideation, cluster A and B personality disorders, and major depressive disorder. Superhomicide offenders are profoundly psychopathic with 20 of the 39 offenders reaching the clinical threshold of 30 or more on the PCL-R, and 19 of the 39 are sexually sadistic. Regarding extant typologies of sexual and multiple homicide offenders, 15 are serial murderers, 17 are sexual homicide offenders, 17 are mass murderers, and 17 are spree murderers. Twenty-four of the 39 superhomicide offenders (61.5%) met criteria for multiple typologies, suggesting the new prototype can help unify the study of those who perpetrate multicide and embed them within criminological and epidemiological models that specify pathological antisocial outcomes.
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Chopin J, Beauregard E, DeLisi M. Adverse childhood experience trajectories and individual high risk-behaviors of sexual offenders: A developmental victimology perspective. Child Abuse Negl 2023; 146:106457. [PMID: 37725879 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental victimology theory suggests that developmental features of risk and impact stemming from various types of victimization depend on the age of the child or adolescent. OBJECTIVE A next step is studying the developmental victimization trajectories of individuals involved in sexual crimes by focusing on traumatic events occurring during childhood and adolescence respectively. Building on the developmental victimology perspective, the study's specific aims encompass two key objectives: 1) exploring the diverse trajectories of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) within a sample of individuals involved in sexual crimes, and 2) assessing whether these ACEs trajectories influence the emergence of distinct high-risk behaviors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 252 individuals convicted of sexual crimes were selected from a federal penitentiary in Quebec, Canada. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with a computerized questionnaire produced data on numerous aspects of the participant's life history, criminal career, and victimization experiences that were analyzed via latent class modeling. RESULTS Four classes (no ACEs trajectory, poly exposure and victimization trajectory, childhood exposure trajectory, and poly victimization trajectory) were identified. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with hypotheses, developmental ACEs trajectories are heterogeneous and associated with the criminal careers, adolescent problematic behaviors, substance use disorders, and violence history among individuals involved in sexual offending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, Batochime CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; School of Social Work and Criminology, Laval University, 1030, avenue des Sciences-Humaines, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Eric Beauregard
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA, United States of America.
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Vaughn MG, Dell NA, Long C, Qian A, DeLisi M. Prevalence and correlates of knife-related victimization: Insights from the 2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Prev Med 2023; 175:107680. [PMID: 37619951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have explored the incidence and general trends in knife-related victimizations in the United States (US), especially in settings where preventive interventions can potentially be initiated such as emergency departments (EDs). The goal of the present investigation was to provide an empirical portrait of the psychosocial and behavioral health characteristics of patients assaulted by sharp objects, particularly knives, as revealed in EDs in the US, as less research has focused on knife victimization in the US than internationally. This study uses data from the 2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), which is part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project distributed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Findings revealed that demographically males (especially those aged 18-25), those in poverty, and members of racially minoritized groups were more likely to be present with knife-related assault. Key factors increasing the odds of knife-related victimization treated in EDs were homelessness, legal involvement, and substance use, particularly alcohol and stimulant use disorder. Somewhat surprisingly, mental health diagnosis was not associated with increased knife-related victimization. Although EDs are critical to treating knife-related victimization, they are also potentially key points to launch prevention for high-risk individuals to reduce subsequent violence stemming from escalation of interpersonal disputes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, 3550 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103 USA
| | - Nathaniel A Dell
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Charvonne Long
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, 3550 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103 USA
| | - Aaron Qian
- College of Arts & Sciences, Saint Louis University, One N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Sociology & Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, 510 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA 50011 USA
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Erickson JH, Heirigs MH, DeLisi M, Slemaker A, Vaughn MG. An Examination of Economic Strain, Negative Emotions, and Low Self-Control: A Test With Institutionalized Juveniles. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2023:306624X231176017. [PMID: 37365811 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x231176017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Strain and low self-control theory are two prominent theories of crime. However, there has been little research comparing the two perspectives to examine their relationship to self-reported delinquency among institutionalized juveniles. We begin to address this gap in the literature by assessing the impacts of economic strain, negative emotions, and low self-control on the commission of property and violent crime using a near census of institutionalized delinquents from Missouri. Results indicated self-control was more essential to understanding both property and violent crime among institutionalized youth as compared to economic strain and negative emotions. Any associations between negative emotions and delinquency were mediated by the effect of low self-control. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
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Pechorro P, DeLisi M, Freitas A, Gonçalves RA, Nunes C. Examination of the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory-Short Form Among Portuguese Young Adults: Psychometrics and Measurement Invariance. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2023; 67:803-821. [PMID: 34994214 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x211066838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Weinberger Adjustment Inventory-Short Form (WAI-SF) is a multidimensional measure of behavioral adjustment frequently used with forensic, clinical, and community populations. However, no previous studies have examined the WAI-SF from a more modern psychometric perspective including second-order models, measurement invariance and a better estimation of reliability. The current sample is composed of female and male young adults (N = 610, M = 21.33 years, SD = 3.09, range = 18-37) from a university context in Portugal. Results indicated that both the four-factor intercorrelated and the four-factor second order models of the WAI-SF Distress and Restraint scales showed good fits. The WAI-SF Distress and Restraint scales were negatively and significantly correlated, and the intercorrelations between the subscales of each scale ranged from moderate to high. The WAI-SF scales and subscales mostly showed adequate to good reliability in terms of McDonald's Omega and the more traditional Cronbach's Alpha. Strong cross-gender measurement invariance was demonstrated, with females scoring significantly higher than males on the Anxiety subscale of the Distress scale, and on the Suppression of Aggression, Impulse Control, Consideration of Others, Responsibility subscales, and Restraint scale. The WAI-SF scales and subscales showed distinctive correlates with other measures (e.g., low self-control, psychopathy) and variables (e.g., delinquency seriousness, substance use). Considering our findings, the use of the WAI-SF is recommended among the Portuguese young adult population and its use in criminological research is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cristina Nunes
- University of Algarve & Psychology Research Centre, Faro, Portugal
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Chopin J, DeLisi M, Beauregard E. Developmental Sequela for Sexual Homicide: Testing an Integrated Multi-Theoretical Model. J Interpers Violence 2023; 38:5721-5747. [PMID: 36205416 PMCID: PMC9969492 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Research focusing on the role of adverse childhood experience (ACE) of individuals involved in sexual homicide (SH) is scarce. Theoretical models of SH have postulated a connection between these adverse experiences and the development of internal risk factors. However, such assumptions have never been empirically tested. Therefore, the current research aims to identify how ACEs affect the development of personality disorders and problematic behaviors during adolescence, which constitute internal risk factors for the commission of SH. The sample comes from a database including 613 individuals involved in sexual crimes in Canada among which 60 committed a SH. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify personality disorders and problematic behaviors during adolescence associated with the presence of ACEs. Next, path analysis was used to identify the direct and indirect relationships between ACEs, internal risk factors, and the commission of SH. Results showed that individuals who experienced ACEs were more likely to develop internal risk factors involved in the commission of SH. Moreover, findings suggest that the impact of these adverse experiences will differ, depending on whether the child has been victim of violence or if he/she has witnessed it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- University of Montreal, Montreal, QC,
Canada
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC,
Canada
- Université Laval, Québec, QC,
Canada
- Julien Chopin, International Center of
Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, 3150 rue Jean Brillant, H3T
1N8, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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DeLisi M, Peters DJ, Hochstetler A, Butler HD, Vaughn MG. Psychopathy among condemned capital murderers. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:558-567. [PMID: 36572956 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychopathy is an important forensic mental health construct. Despite this importance, the research base of psychopathy among individuals convicted of capital murder is limited. Archival data were collected from a sample of 636 persons convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in the State of California. Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist - Revised (PCL-R) instrument. Data on criminal careers and other behavioral disorders were also extracted. The sample mean PCL-R total score was 23.31 (SD = 9.92) and one-third of individuals in this sample were considered clinically psychopathic with PCL-R total scores of 30 or greater. Factor analytic examination yielded support for four facets: affective, interpersonal, lifestyle, and antisocial. Criterion validity findings revealed positive correlations of psychopathy scores with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ρ = 0.72), Conduct Disorder (ρ = 0.46), sexual sadism (ρ = 0.24), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ρ = 0.20), ADHD (ρ = 0.15), arrest charges (r = 0.56), prison sentences (r = 0.53), and age of arrest onset (r = -0.57). Individuals convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death reflect heterogeneity in psychopathy with some individuals exhibiting pronounced psychopathic features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Welner M, DeLisi M, Saxena A, Tramontin M, Burgess A. Distinguishing everyday evil: Towards a clinical inventory of extreme and outrageous behaviors, actions and attitudes. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:181-189. [PMID: 35944380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Everyday evil is seen in a broad range of scenarios of intended behaviors that are often not violations of criminal law, but nevertheless cause significant and enduring personal and emotional harm. For this reason, the manifestations of everyday evil have pressing psychiatric import. Here, we propose the Welner Inventory of Everyday Extreme and Outrageous (WIEEO) for use as a screening inventory in clinical settings. The WIEEO contains 14 items within four categories: Physical and Emotional Damage, Exploitation, Extending Damage, and Extinguishing Goodness. Five items of "Physical and Emotional Damage" account for enduring life impact from said damage, and material effects that amplify emotional impact as well. Three items of "Exploitation" highlight the significance of not merely the actor's exploitation itself, but also the defenseless vulnerability of the victim. Four items that comprise the "Extending Suffering" category lengthen the impact, involve unusual dimensions, reflect creative social deviance in intent, or extend to additional parties. The two items of "Extinguishing Goodness" focus on the impact of decaying the otherwise prosocial or benevolent character of another and spawning everyday outrageousness in someone who would not have otherwise acted as such. These items have assumed relevance to the WIEEO through research and clinical settings that reveal their significant impact and psychological morbidity. The WIEEO serves as a marker for behaviors that warrant closer clinical attention to intervene, treat and detoxify such situations and the motivations of such malignant behavior before it further traumatizes or damages others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Welner
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, USA; The Forensic Panel, USA
| | - Matt DeLisi
- The Forensic Panel, USA; Iowa State University, USA.
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Welner M, DeLisi M. The Depravity Standard and individualized assessment: A case study modality for Miller resentencing cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 90:102375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Pechorro P, Abrunhosa Gonçalves R, Barroso R, Quintas J, DeLisi M. Triarchic psychopathic traits versus self-control: Comparing associations with youth antisocial outcomes. Crim Behav Ment Health 2022; 32:267-278. [PMID: 35723026 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathy and low self-control are useful constructs for understanding antisociality/criminality. The triarchic model of psychopathy in particular is a recent and promising conceptualisation, composed of boldness, disinhibition, and meanness - three personality traits that have never been studied in tandem with low self-control. AIMS To test relationships between the triarchic personality traits of boldness, disinhibition and meanness and low self-control with delinquent or antisocial acts. METHODS In a cross-sectional, self-report study a schools' cohort of 14- to 18-year-olds (Mean 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years) was recruited from regions in South Portugal and Lisbon, representative of the general population of this age in sex distribution and education. After parental consent, teenage volunteers in small groups completed psychopathy and self-control self-rating scales and then a questionnaire about their criminal or delinquent activities, all on one single occasion and in confidence from school staff or parents. Path analysis was used to test relationships. RESULTS 567 young people, 256 (45%) of them girls, completed all ratings, 89% of those invited to do so. Low self-control had the strongest relationship with antisocial/criminal acts, followed by the disinhibition or meanness traits of the triarchic psychopathy construct. The boldness trait of the triarchic psychopathy construct had the weakest relationship. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the most effective targets for intervention to prevent or limit antisocial behaviours by young people are likely to be self-control and disinhibition. Behavioural interventions that improve social skills and verbal problem-solving that encourage listening and waiting in response to environmental stimuli are likely to effect reduction of impulsive and aggressive reactions to others and so reduce conduct problems. Since disinhibition and self-control are such overlapping constructs, improvements in one area will generally facilitate improvements in the other area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pechorro
- School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ricardo Barroso
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jorge Quintas
- School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Pechorro P, Curtis S, DeLisi M, Maroco J, Nunes C. Dark Triad Psychopathy Outperforms Self-Control in Predicting Antisocial Outcomes: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:549-562. [PMID: 35735462 PMCID: PMC9222205 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12060041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dark Triad traits and self-control are considered viable causal precursors to antisocial and criminal outcomes in youth. The purpose of the present study is to concurrently compare how Dark Triad traits and self-control differ in terms of predicting self-reported juvenile delinquency, CD symptoms, proactive overt aggression, and crime seriousness. The sample consisted of 567 (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14–18 years) Southern European youth from Portugal. Structural-equation-modelling procedures revealed that the psychopathy factor of Dark Triad traits presented the strongest significant hypothetical causal associations with the antisocial/criminal outcomes, followed by self-control. Machiavellianism and narcissism presented the lowest causal associations. Our findings indicate that psychopathy, as operationalized in the Dark Triad, concurrently surpasses self-control and the remaining factors of the Dark Triad in terms of predicting antisocial/criminal outcomes in youth. This suggests that behavioral disinhibition, or a core incapacity to regulate one’s conduct, is central for understanding delinquency and externalizing psychopathology. Comparatively, the interpersonal component of dark personality features, such as Machiavellianism and narcissism, are secondary for understanding crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pechorro
- Faculdade de Psicologia (The Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics Laboratory), University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Shelby Curtis
- Social Psychology Ph.D. Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA;
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
| | - João Maroco
- William James Centre for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Cristina Nunes
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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DeLisi M, Drury AJ, Elbert MJ. The p factor, crime, and criminal justice: A criminological study of Caspi et al.'s general psychopathology general theory. Int J Law Psychiatry 2022; 81:101773. [PMID: 35026441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The general psychopathology general theory or p Factor is an influential theoretical development in the social and behavioral sciences, but has yet to gain traction in criminology and criminal justice. Drawing on data from a sample of 1722 federal pretrial defendants, we created a 22-item composite indicator or additive index of the p Factor containing externalizing, internalizing, substance use, paraphilic, and forensic indicators. Negative binomial regression models found that age, sex, and diverse forms of trauma exposure are associated with higher p Factor scores. Higher p scores strongly predicted total, violent, sexual, property, weapon, and drug arrest charges net the effects of demographic features and adverse childhood experiences. There is broad heterogeneity in psychopathology within this sample with nearly 29% of clients exhibiting zero psychopathology, nearly 61% showing average psychopathology or less, and nearly 40% evincing average to exceedingly high psychopathology. As a general theory, the p Factor has considerable potential to inform the assorted morbidities that often accompany criminal activity, including self-harm, reduced global functioning, substance use, and social dysfunction and thus is a parsimonious conceptual framework to understand the overlapping and systemic personal problems that typify chronic and serious criminal offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, 510 Farm House Lane, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States of America.
| | - Alan J Drury
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, United States of America.
| | - Michael J Elbert
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, United States of America.
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Pechorro P, DeLisi M, Gonçalves RA, Maroco J. Bold, mean and disinhibited: getting specific about the mediating role of self-control and antisocial outcomes in youth. Psychiatr Psychol Law 2021; 29:871-888. [PMID: 36267604 PMCID: PMC9578483 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2021.1995519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Self-control and psychopathy are correlated with antisocial behaviors among diverse samples, and a spate of recent studies examined their direct associations with criminal outcomes. However, research has largely overlooked mediation effects between psychopathy, self-control and deviant outcomes. The current study examined self-control mediation effects related to the triarchic psychopathy construct and juvenile delinquency, crime seriousness, conduct disorder (CD), and aggression outcomes. The sample consisted of N = 567 (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99, range = 14-18 years) southern-European youth from Portugal. Study design was cross-sectional, quantitative and non-experimental. Mediation analysis using path analysis procedures indicated that low self-control mediates the relation between the Boldness, Disinhibition and Meanness factors of the triarchic psychopathy construct and the delinquency, crime seriousness, CD and aggression outcomes. Findings suggest that self-control is a mediator of triarchic psychopathic features and diverse externalizing behavior outcomes, which adds specificity to their interrelationship as general predictors of antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pechorro
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - João Maroco
- William James Centre for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal
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Jahic I, Trulson CR, Caudill JW, Bonner T, Slemaker A, DeLisi M. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Forensic Typologies: Getting Specific about Trauma among Institutionalized Youth. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182111307. [PMID: 34769825 PMCID: PMC8583621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to various conduct and behavior problems within juvenile delinquents, but fewer studies focused on these associations among specific forensic typologies of offending. Utilizing data from 3382 institutionalized delinquents in Texas, logistic regression models indicated multiple associations between ACEs and forensic typologies in both adjusted and unadjusted models, with sexual abuse and physical abuse emerging as the most consistent and robust predictors. Supplemental sensitivity models confirmed the associations between sexual abuse and physical abuse among youth who fit multiple forensic typologies. Models fared poorly at identifying youth who are engaged in fire setting. Implications for total and singular ACEs are discussed, along with how those relate to more clinically meaningful, forensic forms of juvenile delinquency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilma Jahic
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (I.J.); (T.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Chad R. Trulson
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA;
| | - Jonathan W. Caudill
- School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA;
| | - Taea Bonner
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (I.J.); (T.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Alexandra Slemaker
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (I.J.); (T.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (I.J.); (T.B.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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DeLisi M, Drury A, Elbert M. Who Are the Compliant Correctional Clients? New Evidence on Protective Factors among Federal Supervised Releases. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2021; 65:1536-1553. [PMID: 33533267 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x21992681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Protective factors facilitate success on community supervision, but relatively little is known about correctional clients who are highly compliant particularly in the federal system. Drawing on a near population of federal clients on supervised release in the Midwestern United States, the current study examined variables associated with compliant supervision status. One day on supervision contributed to a 1% reduction in the logged odds of supervision compliance. Clients with no drug history had 793% increased odds, clients with sustained remission had 620% increased odds, and clients with early remission had 458% increased odds of compliant supervision status relative to clients actively using drugs. Among the federal Post Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA) indices, only PCRA Criminal History was significant as clients with less extensive criminal history were more likely to be compliant supervision clients. A one-unit change in PCRA Criminal History status was associated with 25% reduced odds of supervision compliance. Total conditions were inversely associated with compliant supervision status with each additional condition associated with a 19% reduced likelihood of compliant supervision status. None of the demographic variables was significantly associated with compliant supervision status. Implications of the findings for the protective factor paradigm in corrections are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan Drury
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Michael Elbert
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, USA
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DeLisi M, Pechorro P, Gonçalves RA, Marôco J. An antisocial alchemy: Psychopathic traits as a moderator of the different forms and functions of aggression in delinquency and conduct disorder among youth. Int J Law Psychiatry 2021; 77:101717. [PMID: 34146941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to examine the possible role of psychopathic traits as a moderator of the aggression-antisociality/delinquency link. Our sample was composed of 567 youth (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14-18 years) from Portugal. Results indicated that psychopathic features significantly moderate four different forms and functions of aggression - proactive overt, proactive relational, reactive overt, and reactive relational - when predicting delinquency. However, psychopathic traits only significantly moderate proactive relational aggression when predicting Conduct Disorder. Psychopathic traits and aggression constitute an antisocial alchemy for antisocial behavior but more research is needed about moderation effects therein particularly among clinical and justice system involved samples of youth to inform behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State Uniersity, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070, USA.
| | - Pedro Pechorro
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - João Marôco
- William James Centre for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal.
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17
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Jahic I, DeLisi M, Vaughn MG. Psychopathy and violent video game playing: Multiple associations in a juvenile justice system involved sample. Aggress Behav 2021; 47:385-393. [PMID: 33586165 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Violent video game playing is a consistent risk factor for aggression, but research on its psychopathology and trait underpinnings are primarily based on community or university student samples, thus the ecological validity to adjudicated and juvenile justice system-involved youth lacks clarity. This is an important void in the literature because relative to youth in the general population, adjudicated and detained youth evince greater psychopathology, more severe delinquency and violence histories, and clinical psychopathic features. Negative binomial regression models using data from 252 youth in residential placements found that several psychopathic features are significantly associated with violent video gaming. The role of psychopathy operated differently across gender and arrest chronicity, and across models remorselessness emerged as an important correlate. Given the desensitization that can occur with violent video game play, it is of particular concern among delinquent youth with psychopathic personality features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilma Jahic
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
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Pechorro P, DeLisi M, Quintas J, Gonçalves RA, Maroco J. Investigating Sex-Related Moderation Effects and Mediation Effects of Self-Control on Delinquency Among Portuguese Youth. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2021; 65:882-898. [PMID: 33323001 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x20981037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-control refers to the ability to override impulses and behave in accordance with societal norms. Deficits in self-control are strongly associated with conduct problems, externalizing disorders, crime, and violence. The main aim of the present study is to investigate possible moderation and mediation effects related to self-control. A school sample of male (n = 257, M = 15.97 years, SD = .98 years) and female (n = 213, M = 15.79 years, SD = 1.03 years) youth from Portugal agreed to participate. Moderation analysis revealed that sex moderates the relationship between self-control and aggression, conduct disorder symptoms, and self-reported delinquency. Mediation analysis revealed that self-control mediates the relations between both triarchic psychopathic traits and dark triad traits, and the self-reported juvenile delinquency outcome. The findings suggest that self-control exerts significant effects on the criminal/antisocial-related variables examined among Portuguese youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - João Maroco
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa, Portugal
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Abstract
Child pornography possession/receipt offenders are a controversial offender group due to mixed and occasionally divergent evidence about their risk profile, offending history and psychopathology. Using a population of male offenders who ever perpetrated a sexual offense from a federal jurisdiction in the central United States, the current study developed an exploratory post hoc empirical profile of these offenders. The profile has some success in the validation component of our study and showed significant associations with self-reported sexual abuse of child victims ages 3-12 years, but non-significant associations to adolescent and adult victims. It significantly linked to the conceptually expected victim group and the significant statistical effect withstood controls for generally robust indicators of antisocial conduct including antisocial personality disorder, arrest onset, total adverse childhood experiences, age and race. We view the findings as exploratory and encourage additional empirical study of this important offender group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Elbert
- United States Probation, Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Alan J. Drury
- United States Probation, Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Abstract
Although sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) evince personality disorders, few prior studies have examined all personality disorders or utilized control groups of offenders. Drawing on data from 616 adult male sex offenders including 85 who were SHOs, the current study examined the personality profile of the SHOs, by comparing them with a group of violent nonhomicidal sex offenders (VNHSOs) and a group of nonhomicidal sex offenders (NHSOs) on clinical diagnostics of personality disorders and various crime characteristics. The personality profile of SHOs is comprised primarily of Schizoid and Borderline Personality Disorders, and these offenders were significantly likely to select a victim, use a weapon, and use drugs and alcohol before their offenses, but less likely to force their victim to engage in sexual acts or humiliate them. The comorbidity of Schizoid, Borderline, and Antisocial Personality Disorder features presents unique personality dysfunction that facilitates the lethal sexual violence of SHOs relative to their nonhomicidal sexual offender peers.
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21
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DeLisi M, Pechorro P, Maroco J, Simões M. Overlapping measures or constructs? An empirical study of the overlap between self-control, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 3:100141. [PMID: 33665594 PMCID: PMC7903057 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Overlap between self-control and dark triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) is potentially problematic for efforts to distinguish dimensions associated with elevated risk for antisociality and crime. The aim of the present study is to examine the potential overlap between self-control and psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism, with a focus on the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) and the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad scale (DD). The sample consisted of 567 youth (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14-18 years) from Portugal. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results from the pooled set of items of the BSCS and the DD measures revealed that both are valid and reliable measures of their respective constructs. However, consistent with previous research, the narcissism facet of the DD emerged as an independent factor. Our findings suggest that if such an eventual overlap is detected, it would be a question of problematic measures, not constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-1070, USA
| | - Pedro Pechorro
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - João Maroco
- William James Centre for Research. ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mário Simões
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Coimbra, Rua Do Colégio Novo, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal
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Pechorro P, DeLisi M, Abrunhosa Gonçalves R, Pedro Oliveira J. The Role of Low Self-Control as a Mediator between Trauma and Antisociality/Criminality in Youth. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18020567. [PMID: 33445427 PMCID: PMC7826820 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and low self-control are robustly associated with youth antisocial/criminal problems, but the interrelation of these constructs is unclear when taking into account both traumatic events and reactions. The objective of the present study is to examine self-control mediation effects related to trauma and juvenile delinquency, conduct disorder, crime seriousness, and aggression outcomes. The sample consisted of N = 388 male youth from Portugal (age, M = 16.01 years, SD = 1.03, age range = 13–18 years). Path analysis procedures revealed that self-control partially mediates the relation between trauma events and the examined outcomes and fully mediates the relation between trauma reactions and the examined outcomes. Research on youth trauma should examine both trauma events and trauma reactions because they have differential effects on low self-control and antisocial/criminal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pechorro
- School of Psychology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- Correspondence:
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070, USA;
| | | | - João Pedro Oliveira
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University of Humanities and Technologies, Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Drury AJ, Elbert MJ, DeLisi M. The dark figure of sexual offending: A replication and extension. Behav Sci Law 2020; 38:559-570. [PMID: 33200444 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the dark figure of sexual offending using federal correctional clients reported significant evidence of previously unknown or hidden sexual violence, often among clients with no official criminal history. Unfortunately, research has produced variable estimates of how large the dark figure is. The current study sought to replicate recent studies of federal sexual offenders about the dark figure of sexual offending. We also extended the knowledge base by providing additional correlational analyses to see whether self-reported and official sexual offending have shared or divergent correlates. Overall, 73.8% of federal sexual offenders reported prior contact victims, which is higher than, but generally consistent with, prior prevalence estimates of 55-69% in studies of federal correctional clients. In the current data, clients convicted of child pornography possession or receipt and who had no official record of sexual abuse nevertheless reported contact sexual offenses in more than 59% of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Drury
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael J Elbert
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Miley LN, Fox B, Muniz CN, Perkins R, DeLisi M. Does childhood victimization predict specific adolescent offending? An analysis of generality versus specificity in the victim-offender overlap. Child Abuse Negl 2020; 101:104328. [PMID: 31869698 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large body of research has examined the relationship between victimization and future offending, with results suggesting that crime victims are at higher risk of future criminal behavior-known as the victim-offender overlap. Prior studies have primarily examined the relationship between general victimization (e.g., violent victimization, sexual abuse, and more) and general offending (e.g., violence, sexual offending, and drug use), and focused on adult populations. OBJECTIVE The goal of the present study is to expand on prior literature by examining if specific forms of childhood victimization increase the risk of specific and analogous forms of offending among delinquent youth. METHOD Based upon a population of 64,329 high-risk youth offenders in Florida, this study evaluates the specificity of the overlap among youth who were physically abused, sexually abused, or witnessed illegal substance use at home during childhood to determine if these forms of victimization increased the risk of violence, sexual offending, and drug use, respectively, when assessed in multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Results provide considerable support for specificity in the victim-offender overlap, as hypothesized. Specifically, experiencing physical abuse (OR = 1.55, p < .001), sexual abuse (OR = 3.58, p < .001) and witnessing household substance abuse (OR = 1.66, p < .001) in childhood each significantly and substantially increased the risk of analogous criminal behavior in adolescence, even when controlling for other risk factors and forms of victimization. CONCLUSION This study provided novel evidence for specificity in the victim-offender overlap, even after controlling for confounding variables. Practical implications for early intervention and crime prevention are discussed, as well as implications for future research. Highlighting the importance of specificity in the victimization and adverse childhood experience (ACE) paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Miley
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, United States
| | - Bryanna Fox
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, United States.
| | - Caitlyn N Muniz
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Texas at El Paso, United States
| | - Robert Perkins
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, United States
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, United States
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Garofalo C, Sijtsema JJ, De Caluwé E, Vaughn MG, DeLisi M. A latent profile analysis of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory in a representative sample of referred boys. Personal Disord 2020; 11:365-375. [PMID: 31961166 DOI: 10.1037/per0000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A long tradition of theoretical and empirical work has described different variants (or subtypes) of psychopathy, in an attempt to delineate similarities and differences among constellations of psychopathic traits. Research in this area has the potential to increase our understanding of the etiology of different psychopathy variants, their associated risk, and protective factors, as well as to inform the development of tailored interventions. Drawing on data from a large, representative sample of referred boys incarcerated in the United States (N = 629; Mage = 15.49 years, SD = 1.23), the current study adopted a person-centered approach to identify variants of incarcerated youth based on scores on the 8 Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Short Form (PPI-SF) subscales. Latent profile analysis results identified 5 variants of youth: a high-psychopathy variant, a variant with moderate psychopathy scores, and 3 variants with distinct elevations on some PPI-SF subscales. Over one third of the participants had substantially high levels of psychopathic traits, and high levels of psychopathy were associated with a severe history of delinquency. Latent profile analysis findings also supported traditional and contemporary perspectives on psychopathy variants according to which different constellations of psychopathic traits are associated with different degrees of delinquent behavior, internalizing symptoms, substance use, and victimization. Finally, it appears that, individually, none of the trait domains assessed by the PPI-SF can explain differences across variants, and that it is the co-occurrence of all of the features that characterizes the most severe form of psychopathy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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26
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Adjorlolo S, Chan HCO, DeLisi M. Mentally disordered offenders and the law: Research update on the insanity defense, 2004-2019. Int J Law Psychiatry 2019; 67:101507. [PMID: 31785724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2019.101507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The insanity defense is among the most controversial legal constructs that has attracted the attention of scholars, practitioners and policy makers. Here, we conducted a systematic review of the literature spanning 2004 to 2019 that produced 58 studies of insanity defense research. Findings are organized according to: (1) assessments and assessment-related issues, (2) juror decision-making in defense trials, (3) characteristics of insanity acquittees, (4) release recommendations for insanity acquittees, (5) revocation of conditional release status of insanity acquittees, and (6) additional areas of insanity defense research. Implications of the research for the insanity defense and cognate legal issues are proffered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Adjorlolo
- Department of Mental Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Research and Grant Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box GP 2543, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Heng Choon Oliver Chan
- Teaching Laboratory for Forensics and Criminology, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Criminal Justice Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-1070, USA
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Drury AJ, Elbert MJ, DeLisi M. Childhood sexual abuse is significantly associated with subsequent sexual offending: New evidence among federal correctional clients. Child Abuse Negl 2019; 95:104035. [PMID: 31252352 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences are associated with multiple negative behavioral outcomes and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is particularly damaging. There is controversial evidence that CSA has a specialized effect on subsequent sexual offending. OBJECTIVE The current study tested the hypothesis that CSA is associated with sexual offending. METHOD Using a near-population of correctional clients on supervised release in the Midwestern United States, we examined the hypothesis with hierarchical negative binomial regression models. RESULTS CSA was significantly associated with official charges for rape/sexual abuse despite controls for sex, race, age, arrest onset, total arrest charges, total adverse childhood experiences, Antisocial Personality Disorder, sexual sadism, and pedophilia. Age of onset of CSA was also inversely associated with sexual offending with effect sizes ranging between 2-5 standardized z-scores. CONCLUSION The current study provides significant evidence that CSA is associated with later sexual offending even when accounting for powerful clinical and criminological covariates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Drury
- United States Probation, Southern District of Iowa, United States
| | - Michael J Elbert
- United States Probation, Southern District of Iowa, United States
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, 510 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA, 50011-1070, United States.
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28
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DeLisi M, Drury AJ, Elbert MJ. The etiology of antisocial personality disorder: The differential roles of adverse childhood experiences and childhood psychopathology. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 92:1-6. [PMID: 31079021 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a severe personality disorder with robust associations with crime and violence, but its precise etiology is unknown. Drawing on near-population of federal correctional clients in the Midwestern United States, the current study examined antecedent background factors spanning adverse childhood experiences and childhood psychopathology. Greater adverse childhood experiences were associated with ASPD diagnosis with physical abuse showing associations with ASPD symptoms and sexual abuse with lifetime diagnosis for ASPD. Conduct Disorder was strongly linked to ASPD; however, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and ADHD had null associations. Given the role of environmental factors in the development of ASPD, greater criminological attention should be devoted to understanding how assorted forms of abuse and neglect coupled with childhood psychopathology contribute to ASPD especially given its linkages to severe criminal offending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, United States of America.
| | - Alan J Drury
- U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, United States of America
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29
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Holzer KJ, Carbone JT, DeLisi M, Vaughn MG. Traumatic brain injury and coextensive psychopathology: New evidence from the 2016 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). J Psychiatr Res 2019; 114:149-152. [PMID: 31078785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health issue associated with increased medical comorbidity and economic burden. The majority of studies of TBI among clinical populations are geographically limited and rely on small samples. As such, the current study seeks to examine the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of TBI in a nationally representative emergency department (ED) sample. Using the 2016 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between TBI history, sociodemographic factors and mental health disorders. An estimated 179,986 adults age 18 and older were admitted to United States EDs in 2016 with a personal history of TBI. The majority of patients were male (69.71%), ages 50 years or older (50.92%) with Medicare (44.30%) or Medicaid (28.65%) insurance. Diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (AOR = 3.99), affective disorders (AOR = 2.97), anxiety disorders (AOR = 1.68), personality and behavior disorders (AOR = 2.77), and schizophrenia (AOR = 2.80) were significantly associated with history of TBI. These results provide insight into the developmental pathogenesis of TBI and its comorbid psychiatric consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Holzer
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States.
| | - Jason T Carbone
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, United States
| | - Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States; Graduate School of Social Welfare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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30
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Ameri T, Burgason KA, DeLisi M, Heirigs MH, Hochstetler A, Vaughn MG. [Not Available]. Int J Law Psychiatry 2019; 64:211-218. [PMID: 31122632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have found that legal cynicism is a significant predictor of crime. Although legal cynicism developed as a form of anomie, it is also plausible that legal cynicism is itself a deviant rationalization to justify one's criminal behavior. As such, legal cynicism might be a derivative manifestation of other individual-level constructs that bear on criminal propensity. We test this possibility by controlling for temperament traits related to antisocial behavior and psychopathic personality features in a sample of residentially incarcerated youth (N = 253). Results from negative binomial models revealed that legal cynicism was significantly associated with self-reported delinquency (including violence), but not total arrests. The significant associations with general delinquency and violence held even when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. However, the associations were rendered either non-significant or greatly attenuated when we included temperament and psychopathy measures in the models. Overall, findings are convergent with the notion that legal cynicism is a consequence or product of antisocial traits and criminal propensity.
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31
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Thomson ND, Vassileva J, Kiehl KA, Reidy D, Aboutanos M, McDougle R, DeLisi M. Which features of psychopathy and impulsivity matter most for prison violence? New evidence among female prisoners. Int J Law Psychiatry 2019; 64:26-33. [PMID: 31122637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Prison violence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While a great deal of research has been conducted in male samples, very few studies are dedicated to understanding violence committed by female offenders. Two constructs that have emerged as important predictors of violence are psychopathy and impulsivity. These constructs may be an important line of inquiry due to the close association between psychopathy, impulsivity, and violence. In a sample of 166 female offenders, we used the 3-facet model of psychopathy and 3-factor model of trait impulsivity with the goal to statistically explain two types of prison violence: official reports of violent misconducts over a 12-month period, and self-report of deliberately instigating a violent altercation. We conducted three separate regression models to test the independent contribution of psychopathy and impulsivity, as well as accounting for the overlap between psychopathy and impulsivity. When impulsivity and psychopathy were not competing within the same model, affective and behavioral psychopathic traits, and nonplanning impulsiveness predicted violent misconducts. However, when accounting for impulsivity and psychopathy within the same model, only affective psychopathic traits remained significant. When predicting if an offender deliberately started a violent altercation, separate statistical models showed affective and interpersonal psychopathic traits, and nonplanning impulsiveness were significant. When competing for variance within the same statistical model, only affective and interpersonal psychopathic traits remained as significant predictors. This suggests an overlap between psychopathic traits and nonplanning impulsivity when understanding violent misconducts in female offenders, while affective psychopathic explains female prison violence, regardless of impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Thomson
- Division of Acute Care Surgical Services, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
| | - Jasmin Vassileva
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- Department of Psychology, Mind Research Network, a partner with Lovelace Biomedical, Inc., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
| | - Dennis Reidy
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, United States
| | - Michel Aboutanos
- Division of Acute Care Surgical Services, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Robyn McDougle
- L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070, United States
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Heirigs MH, DeLisi M, Fox B, Dhingra K, Vaughn MG. Psychopathy and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Revisited: Results From a Statewide Population of Institutionalized Youth. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2019; 63:874-895. [PMID: 30426807 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x18812533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is the leading cause of death for incarcerated youth, and up to half of all juveniles in confinement experience suicidal ideation in addition to other psychopathology, including psychopathic personality features. Unfortunately, limited research has investigated the psychopathy-suicidality link among juvenile delinquents and using newer psychopathy measures. Based upon a statewide population of incarcerated juvenile offenders, we found that psychopathy was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempts, but the latter relationship was attenuated by lifetime depression diagnosis. In addition, certain affective psychopathic features such as Stress Immunity conferred protection against suicidality, whereas behavioral and lifestyle components including Carefree Nonplanfulness, Blame Externalization, and Rebellious Nonconformity were positively linked to suicidal thoughts among the youth offenders. As these risk factors are routinely screened for in juvenile justice settings, this study's findings have considerable implications to applied practice and prevention among juvenile justice involved youth.
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DeLisi M, Ruelas M, Kruse JE. Who will kill again? The forensic value of 1st degree murder convictions. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2019; 1:11-17. [PMID: 32411949 PMCID: PMC7219177 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies of homicide offenders that engage in repeat, non-serial homicide offending are scarce and most studies lack comprehensive criminal career data that include convictions for 1st degree murder. Drawing on archival data on 682 male convicted felons from the Florida Department of Corrections, the current study examined the prognostic association between prior 1st degree murder convictions and various specifications of subsequent homicide offending. Negative binomial and logistic regression models found that prior 1st degree murder convictions were significantly associated with current/instant homicide offending and multiple homicide offending despite controls for five forms of serious felony violence, age, and race. Suggestions for future research are proffered regarding the forensic and criminological value of 1st degree murder convictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Corresponding author. 203A East Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-1070, USA.
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DeLisi M, Drury AJ, Elbert MJ. Do behavioral disorders render gang status spurious? New insights. Int J Law Psychiatry 2019; 62:117-124. [PMID: 30616846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In community and correctional settings, gang status is a robust predictor of offending, unfortunately relatively few studies have considered behavioral disorders of offenders and whether these disorders mediate the gang-offending relationship. Drawing on a near population of correctional clients on federal supervised release, negative binomial regression and ROC-AUC models found that gang variables were rendered insignificant or were generally weak classifiers of severe offending once behavioral disorders were specified. The only exception was security threat group status that was robustly associated with prison misconduct. Gang researchers should consider behavioral disorders and other psychopathology of gang members to inform theory and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, 510 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
| | - Alan J Drury
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, 110 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States.
| | - Michael J Elbert
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Southern District of Iowa, 110 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States.
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Abstract
Sexual murderers perpetrate homicide and rape/sexual abuse, but it is unclear whether they should primarily be considered homicide offenders, sexual offenders, or both. Most studies have merged together different types of non-homicidal sex offenders (NHSOs), neglecting to consider the potential differences between the nonviolent and violent sex offenders. Here, we suggest it is important to isolate those violent sex offenders who inflict severe physical injuries that could potentially lead to a lethal outcome. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to compare different measures of the criminal career on three groups of sex offenders: NHSOs, violent NHSOs, and sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) using data from 616 incarcerated male sex offenders in a Federal penitentiary in Canada. Interestingly, the group of sex offenders with the worst criminal career profile was not the SHOs, but the violent NHSOs. Violent NHSOs had the greatest number of prior convictions and the most varied and versatile criminal career. Therefore, we suggest that based on their criminal career, SHOs should be considered more as murderers than sex offenders. However, to fully answer this question, future studies should include a group of non-sexual homicide offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Beauregard
- 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ashley Hewitt
- 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Abstract
Household drug abuse is one of the seminal forms of adverse childhood experiences, but it does not fully capture the severity of parents that actively provide or even administer drugs to their children. Drawing on a near population of federal supervised release offenders, the current study examined this “new” adverse childhood experience and its association with antisociality. Multiple analytical techniques (e.g., correlation, binary and multinomial logistic regression, and negative binomial regression) indicated that parent exposure to drugs was significantly associated with current drug status while on supervision, three forms of drug offending, and Cannabis, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Opiate, and Alcohol Dependence even while controlling for age of arrest onset, sex, race, and current age. We concur with other scholars that more conceptualization and measurement-refinement of adverse childhood experiences is needed to fully understand how early-life trauma shapes the contours of the criminal career.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan J. Drury
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Des Moines, USA
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Abstract
Despite growing interest in psychopathic personality features in juvenile offenders, few studies have examined the relationship between childhood trauma and psychopathy. The present study utilized two datasets: 253 adolescents in a residential facility for juvenile offenders in Pennsylvania and 723 institutionalized delinquents in Missouri. Zero-order correlations and linear regression techniques were employed for boys and girls to examine the relationships between trauma, assessed using the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument Version 2 (MAYSI-2) Traumatic Experiences Scale and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and psychopathy as measured by the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Short Form (PPI-SF). Results indicate that psychopathy is significantly correlated with childhood trauma. For the Missouri data, trauma significantly predicted psychopathy scores for both boys and girls. These results suggest that nuanced understanding of traumatic history of these adolescents may not only be a pathway to psychopathy but also a critical part of their overall assessment and treatment plan.
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DeLisi M. Forensic epidemiology: Harnessing the power of public DNA sources to capture career criminals. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 291:e20-e21. [PMID: 30115385 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Vaughn MG, Nelson EJ, Oh S, Salas-Wright CP, DeLisi M, Holzer KJ. Abstention from Drug Use and Delinquency Increasing among Youth in the United States, 2002-2014. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:1468-1481. [PMID: 29313738 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1413392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trends in abstaining from substance use and delinquency among adolescent's ages 12-17 in the United States was examined. METHODS Data was derived from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) involving non-Hispanic white, African American, and Hispanic respondents (n = 98,620) and spanning the years 2002-2014. Logistic regression was used to examine significance of trend year and correlates of low-risk and high-risk behavioral groups relative to abstaining. RESULTS Overall, the prevalence of abstaining was 47.56% between 2002 and 2014. Prevalence increased significantly among all adolescents from 44.85% in 2002 to 53.58% in 2014. Relative to abstainers nonabstaining youth were more likely to be male, and report lower household income, poorer grades, depression, and lower levels of parental affirmation and control. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that there is a corresponding increase in abstaining mirroring the recent decreases found in adolescent drug use found in national surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Vaughn
- a School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - Erik J Nelson
- b Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , School of Public Health, Indiana University , Bloomington , Indiana , USA
| | - Sehun Oh
- c School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin , Texas , USA
| | | | - Matt DeLisi
- e Criminal Justice Studies, Iowa State University , Iowa , USA
| | - Katie J Holzer
- a School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
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DeLisi M. The big data potential of epidemiological studies for criminology and forensics. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 57:24-27. [PMID: 29801947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Big data, the analysis of original datasets with large samples ranging from ∼30,000 to one million participants to mine unexplored data, has been under-utilized in criminology. However, there have been recent calls for greater synthesis between epidemiology and criminology and a small number of scholars have utilized epidemiological studies that were designed to measure alcohol and substance use to harvest behavioral and psychiatric measures that relate to the study of crime. These studies have been helpful in producing knowledge about the most serious, violent, and chronic offenders, but applications to more pathological forensic populations is lagging. Unfortunately, big data relating to crime and justice are restricted and limited to criminal justice purposes and not easily available to the research community. Thus, the study of criminal and forensic populations is limited in terms of data volume, velocity, and variety. Additional forays into epidemiology, increased use of available online judicial and correctional data, and unknown new frontiers are needed to bring criminology up to speed in the big data arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070, United States.
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DeLisi M, Fox BH, Fully M, Vaughn MG. The effects of temperament, psychopathy, and childhood trauma among delinquent youth: A test of DeLisi and Vaughn's temperament-based theory of crime. Int J Law Psychiatry 2018; 57:53-60. [PMID: 29548504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent interest among criminologists on the construct of temperament has been fueled by DeLisi and Vaughn's (2014) temperament-based theory of antisocial behavior. Their theory suggests that core self-regulation capacity and negative emotionality are the most salient temperament features for understanding the emergence and maintenance of antisocial and violent behavior, even among offending populations. The present study tests the relative effects of these temperamental features along with psychopathic traits and trauma in their association with violent and non-violent delinquency in a sample of 252 juvenile offenders. Results from a series of negative binomial regression models indicate that temperament was uniformly more strongly associated with violent and non-violent delinquency than psychopathic traits and childhood traumatic events. Exploratory classification models suggested that temperament and psychopathy possessed similar predictive capacity, but neither surpassed prior history of violence and delinquency as a predictor of future offending. Overall, findings are supportive of DeLisi and Vaughn's temperament-based theory and suggest temperament as conceptualized and measured in the present study may play an important role as a risk factor for violent and non-violent delinquency.
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DeLisi M, Nelson EJ, Vaughn MG, Boutwell BB, Salas-Wright CP. An Epidemiological Study of Burglary Offenders: Trends and Predictors of Self-Reported Arrests for Burglary in the United States, 2002-2013. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol 2018; 62:1107-1127. [PMID: 27694400 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x16670178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Burglary is serious property crime with a relatively high incidence and has been shown to be variously associated with other forms of criminal behavior. Unfortunately, an epidemiological understanding of burglary and its correlates is largely missing from the literature. Using public-use data collected between 2002 and 2013 as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the current study compared those who self-reported burglary arrest in the prior 12 months with and without criminal history. The unadjusted prevalence estimates of self-reported burglary arrest were statistically different for those with a prior arrest history (4.7%) compared with those without an arrest history (0.02%) which is a 235-fold difference. Those with an arrest history were more likely to report lower educational attainment, to have lower income, to have moved more than 3 times in the past 5 years, and to use alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and engage in binge drinking. Moreover, those with prior arrest histories were younger and more likely to be male. There is considerable heterogeneity among burglars with criminal history indicating substantially greater behavioral risk.
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Baglivio MT, Wolff KT, DeLisi M, Vaughn MG, Piquero AR. Juvenile animal cruelty and firesetting behaviour. Crim Behav Ment Health 2017; 27:484-500. [PMID: 27593212 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a view that young people presenting with an animal cruelty and firesetting combination represent a uniquely risky group, but prior work has relied on samples with insufficient power. RESEARCH QUESTION What is the prevalence of the co-occurrence of animal cruelty and firesetting behaviour among young delinquents? What other features correlate with this? METHODS We measured the prevalence of animal cruelty and firesetting among 292,649 juvenile offenders and used rare events logistic regression to examine demographic, criminal, mental health and family histories as correlates. RESULTS The prevalence of animal cruelty was 0.59%, accounting for 1732 young people, and of firesetting 1.56% (n = 4553). The co-occurrence of these behaviours was rare: 0.17% (n = 498), but approximately twice that expected by chance based on the prevalence of each behaviour individually (0.59% × 1.56% = 0.009%). Rates were higher in males, older youths and Whites. Among historical variables, criminal history was the strongest correlate, followed by mental health problems, then familial and individual indicators. CONCLUSIONS As only male gender and being a victim of sexual abuse increased the odds of evidencing both animal cruelty and firesetting behaviour substantially above the odds for each behaviour individually, there thus appears to be little that is unique to the co-occurrence. Our findings suggest that sensitivity to the occurrence of each is the best way forward, with rather familiar assessments and interventions offering some hope of reducing these seriously damaging behaviours. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Baglivio
- G4S Youth Services, LLC, Research and Program Development, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kevin T Wolff
- City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University, Criminal Justice Studies, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Michael G Vaughn
- Saint Louis University, School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex R Piquero
- University of Texas at Dallas, Program in Criminology, Richardson, TX, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Criminal Justice Studies, Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-1070, USA.
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DeLisi M, Beauregard E. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Criminal Extremity: New Evidence for Sexual Homicide. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:484-489. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Criminal Justice; Iowa State University; 203A East Hall Ames IA 50011-1070
| | - Eric Beauregard
- School of Criminology; Simon Fraser University; 8888 University Drive Burnaby BC V5A 1S6 Canada
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DeLisi M, Tahja KN, Drury AJ, Elbert MJ, Caropreso DE, Heinrichs T. De Novo Advanced Adult-Onset Offending: New Evidence from a Population of Federal Correctional Clients. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:172-177. [PMID: 28493336 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Adult antisocial behavior is almost always predated by delinquency during childhood or adolescence; however, there is also evidence of adult-onset criminal offending. This study examined this controversial subgroup of offenders using self-reported and official data from a total population of federal correctional clients selected from the Midwestern United States. Difference of means t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models found that 11.7% of clients had an adult onset of offending and 2.7% of clients (n = 23) had an onset occurring at age 60 years or older. This group-introduced as de novo advanced adult-onset offenders-had high socioeconomic status, mixed evidence of adverse childhood experiences, and virtually no usage of drugs with the exception of alcohol. These offenders were primarily convicted of social security and white-collar crimes and evinced remarkably low psychopathology and criminal risk. More research is needed to replicate the phenomenon of de novo advanced adult-onset offending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Iowa State University - Criminal Justice, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA
| | - Katherine N Tahja
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, 110 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
| | - Alan J Drury
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, 110 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
| | - Michael J Elbert
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, 110 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
| | - Daniel E Caropreso
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, 110 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
| | - Timothy Heinrichs
- United States Probation and Pretrial Services, 110 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309
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Abstract
This study examines self-control theory using the criminal records of 500 adult arrestees. Four indicators taken from official rap sheets (aliases, Social Security numbers, and dates and places of birth) were used to create a self-control measure. Negative binomial regression models indicated that offenders who scored low on the self-control measure accumulated significantly more violent Index, property Index, white-collar, and nuisance arrests net the effects of control variables. These findings contribute to the empirical support for self-control theory and indicate that self-control is salient using a criminal sample.
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Abstract
One rationale used in the imposition of capital punishment is the potential future dangerousness of the most serious offenders. Most research in this area has focused on the postcommutation and postrelease behavior of formerly condemned offenders and found that the majority of them did not pose significant danger risks. The current study examined the prison infraction records of 1,005 Arizona inmates serving determinate, life, or death sentences. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models indicated that inmates sentenced to death were more dangerous than noncondemned inmates were. This effect achieved modest statistical significance and withstood controls for demographic characteristics, offense severity and type, criminal history, and diagnostic measures. Overall, these findings suggest that condemned defendants may be more dangerous than others, a statement sharply discordant with the extant literature regarding the future dangerousness of capital defendants. Additional research employing different samples from different regions of the United States is needed.
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Vaughn MG, Nelson EJ, Salas-Wright CP, DeLisi M, Qian Z. Handgun carrying among White youth increasing in the United States: New evidence from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2002-2013. Prev Med 2016; 88:127-33. [PMID: 27063946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to examine trends and correlates of handgun carrying among adolescents ages 12-17 in the United States. Data was derived from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) involving non-Hispanic White, African American, and Hispanic respondents ages 12-17 (n=197,313) and spanning the years 2002-2013. Logistic regression was used to examine significance of trend year and correlates of previous 12-month handgun carrying. The overall self-reported prevalence of handgun carrying was 3.4%. The prevalence of handgun carrying during 2004-2005 was significantly higher for African-Americans (4.39%) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (3.03%). However, by 2012-2013, non-Hispanic Whites (4.08%) completely diverged and reported carrying handguns significantly more than both African-American (2.96%) and Hispanic (2.82%) youth. Male gender and a number of externalizing behaviors were significant correlates of handgun carrying; however, we also found evidence of differential correlates with regard to such factors as drug selling, parental affirmation, and income by race/ethnicity. To our knowledge, this is the largest study of handgun carrying among youth in the United States. Findings indicate that although at historically low levels handgun carrying is on the rise but only among non-Hispanic Whites. Differential correlates among racial/ethnic groups suggest prevention programming and policies may need modifications depending on group and geographic locale targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Tegeler Hall, 3550 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, United States.
| | - Erik J Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.
| | - Christopher P Salas-Wright
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd D3500, Austin, TX 78712-0358, United States.
| | - Matt DeLisi
- Criminal Justice Studies, Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070, United States.
| | - Zhengmin Qian
- Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.
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DeLisi M. Zeroing in on violent recidivism among released prisoners. Lancet Psychiatry 2016; 3:493-4. [PMID: 27262037 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Center for the Study of Violence, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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