Personality Profiles of Intimate Partner Violence Offenders With and Without PTSD

• NCJ Number: 241039
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 51 Issue: 4 Dated: May - June 2012 Pages: 239-256
• Author(s): Tim Hoyt; Alisha M. Wray; Kathryn T. Wiggins; Melissa Gerstle; Peggy C. Maclean
• Date Published: 2012
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study used a convenience sample of court-ordered intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders to explore whether the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can reliably differentiate this population in terms of personality characteristics and clinical symptoms.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious forensic and clinical problem throughout the United States. Research aimed at defining and differentiating subgroups of IPV offenders using standardized personality instruments may eventually help with matching treatments to specific individuals to reduce recidivism. The current study used a convenience sample of court-ordered IPV offenders to explore whether the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can reliably differentiate this population in terms of personality characteristics and clinical symptoms. Profile analysis showed meaningful differences between PTSD (n = 22), non-PTSD (n = 43), and nontrauma (n = 13) groups on a variety of Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory and Personality Assessment Inventory personality and clinical scales. The PTSD group reported significantly less IPV than the non-PTSD and nontrauma groups, as well as endorsing greater overall distress, greater symptoms of anxiety, and greater symptoms of depression across instruments. Implications for assessment are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.