Differences among inmates in comparison with their offense
Since mental health professionals are frequently asked to complete risk assessments, testify in court, and/or provide individual psychological services, it is important to understand and be able to differentiate between sex offenders and non-sex offenders (Murphy & Peters, 1992; Prentky, Knight, & Lee, 1997). The primary objective of the present study was to compare a homogenous subgroup of incarcerated sex offenders that is made up of males that have been convicted of child molestation, with a group of incarcerated males without any history of sexual offenses against children or adults. Twenty-one incarcerated child molesters and 43 incarcerated nonsexual offenders were tested using the PAI and MMPI-2. It was hypothesized that child molesters would score lower on the PAI Dominance and Warmth scale indicating they had poorer interpersonal skills and were more distant in their relationships. It was also hypothesized that there are differences in personality features between the two groups on the MMPI-2. Results supported both hypotheses that were posited. Findings showed that child molesters have significantly inferior interpersonal and assertiveness skills, as well as distant superficial relationships in comparison to nonsexual offenders. Furthermore, results showed that there are several significant differences on the MMPI-2 scales, indicating that the two groups do have differences in personality features. The present findings are of some importance to both the mental health profession and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)
https://www.upress.umn.edu/test-division/bibliography/2000-2009/2005/marantz_differences_2005
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Stacie Marantz
(2005)
Differences among inmates in comparison with their offense
PhD thesis.