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Description: The current research reports 61 male serial homicide offenders' Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 2 (MMPI-2) results. Offenders had an average MMPI-2 profile code of 4-6-8. They also scored high on the Harris-Lingoes scales of Authority Problems, Persecutory Ideas, and Emotional Alienation. Megargee classifications were fairly divided, but Delta was the largest grouping. A hierarchical cluster analysis of MMPI-2 profiles revealed two distinct profiles, one disturbed and one non-disturbed. The disturbed cluster showed numerous elevations on the clinical scales, while the non-disturbed cluster only had an elevation on Psychopathic Deviance. There were several differences in content and supplementary scales measurements for the two clusters. The MMPI-2 basic scales were limited in the prediction of offender's murderous behavior. This project shows the average serial murderer has a typical MMPI-2 pattern and one indicative of emotional disorders. However, the murderers remain diverse in their individual psychopathologies. Implications and limitations of the research are discussed.
Suggested Citation:
Culhane, S. E., Hildebrand, M. M.. Walker, S., & Gray, M. J. (2014). MMPI-2 characteristics of male serial murderers [Electronic Version]. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice,
10(1), 21-45.
Keywords: MMPI-2, serial murder, cluster analysis, Megargee Classification System
Date: May 02, 2014 | File Size: 951.34 Kb | Downloads: 2421