NCJ Number
136987
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1991) Pages: 201-212
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study was conducted to identify homogeneous subgroups of incarcerated child molesters on the basis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).
Abstract
Subjects were 90 men who were undergoing initial evaluation for a treatment program conducted through a State department of corrections. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified four profile subgroups. Although two subgroups presented mean profiles within normal limits, the patterns showed differences in personality functioning; one subgroup presented signs of sociopathy and the other emotional disturbance. In contrast, the other two profile subgroups presented several scale elevations; one subgroup indicated anger and aggression and the other manifested severe psychopathology. Both of the latter subgroups were similar to two rapist subtypes identified in previous research. Subgroups were further differentiated on the basis of psychosexual, affective, and psychosocial variables. Results indicate the existence of homogeneous subgroups of incarcerated sexual offenders against children as delineated by the MMPI. 4 tables, 1 figures, and 41 references