(Special Issue on Criminal Investigative Psychology)<p>Few studies have examined characteristics and correlates of females who display assaultive behaviours towards their intimate partners. Personality disorders, anger responses, type of violence perpetrated, and post-traumatic stress reactions in female perpetrated intimate violence are important factors in diagnosis, management, and treatment considerations. The present study examined the incidence of cluster B personality disorder traits in a non-clinical sample of self-identified females who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV). Results suggest differences in anger responses, nature and severity of violence perpetrated, and post-traumatic stress reactions across personality disorder categories. The numerous important applied implications and future research directions are discussed.
Origin Information
Default image for the object Forensic psychiatric inpatients and aggression: an exploration of incidence, prevalence, severity, and interventions by gender, object is lacking a thumbnail image
[Background]
Previous investigations suggest that women judged to be not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCR-MD) differ markedly from their male counterparts in important ways, underscoring the necessity of subsequent study.
[Objective]
The goal of the present study was to inform our understanding of the presenting profile of female forensic psychiatric patients and contrast their risk of inpatient aggression with their male counterparts.
[Method]
The population of patients assessed and/or treated at a secure Canadian forensic psychiatric hospital were available for study. In total, 527 patients had complete data and were part of intensive retrospective file reviews; inpatient aggression was evaluated using the Overt Aggression Scale.
[Results]
Women were no less likely than men to have a violent index offence and to perpetrate inpatient aggression. Examining the range of aggressive behaviours and severity levels did little to increase the relevance of gender to inpatient risk.
[Discussion]
Female forensic patients represent a highly selected subgroup of women with exceptional clinical and behavioural challenges and associated treatment needs.