NCJ Number
168517
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 12 Issue: 6 Dated: December 1997 Pages: 794-813
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Sixty mentally disordered male offenders who had escaped from a hospital or reoffended while under supervision were compared with 51 male offenders who had done neither.
Abstract
Subjects were matched on diagnosis, age, and supervision level. In addition to an actuarially based estimate of risk of violent reoffending and other static measures, proximal dynamic variables were coded from clinical file information. Seven dynamic variables differentiated absconders/recidivists from other patients after controlling for actuarial risk level and also differentiated the period preceding escaping or reoffending from an earlier period. These robust predictors fell into two groups: those that involved noncompliance with supervision and antisocial attitudes, as well as those that pertained to emotional dysphoria and psychiatric symptoms. Violent recidivists were best differentiated from their controls by a proximal factor labeled Dynamic Antisociality. Violent recidivists were more likely to be personality disordered, and absconders were more likely to be psychotic. The authors recommend that forensic clinicians design assessment and monitoring strategies in accordance with the dynamic predictors identified in this study. They should also consider this information in the design and implementation of clinical program elements and in the adjustment of supervisory arrangements for mentally disordered offenders who are entering the community reintegration phase of their rehabilitation. 4 tables, 2 notes, and 20 references