A Rorschach investigation of incarcerated female psychopaths.

  • Cunliffe E
N/ACitations
Citations of this article
2Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Little information is available concerning the differential gender-linked expression of psychopathy for male and female incarcerated offenders. The Rorschach Inkblot Test and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) were used to examine the personality and interpersonal functioning of 47 incarcerated female offenders. Participants were confined in 2 minimum to medium security prisons in northern California and Wyoming for a variety of offenses. PCL-R scores were used to identify psychopathic (PCL-R ge; 30) and nonpsychopathic (PCL-R le; 24) offenders for comparisons of their affect modulation, self-perception, interpersonal relatedness and reality testing as evidenced by scores on select Rorschach variables. Results indicated that the psychopaths experienced marked disturbances in self-perception (negative self-image, dysphoric affect, poor self regard, and limited capacity for instrospection), poor interpersonal relatedness (superficial interpersonal relations, limited understanding of the motivations of others, and lack of empathy) and poor reality testing (cognitive distortion and unconventionality) compared to nonpsychopathic females. Preliminary support was found for the hypothesized Histrionic (rather than Narcissitic seen in male psychopathy) character of female psychopaths. Differences between psychopathic and nonpsychopathic women and psychopathic men are discussed. Rorschach differences add to our understanding of the personality functioning of female offenders, in general, and female psychopaths, in particular. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Cunliffe, E. (Ted) B. (2002). A Rorschach investigation of incarcerated female psychopaths. Retrieved from http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&PAGE=reference&D=psyc4&NEWS=N&AN=2002-95016-165

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free