Psychopathy and Criminogenic Thinking in Adult Male Prisoners. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandracchia, Jon T.; Gonzalez, Rose A.; Patterson, Katherine L.; Smith, Phillip N.
• Other Names: Topalli Volkan guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary criminal justice. Volume 31:Number 4(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 409
• Page End: 425
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: psychopathy -- criminogenic thinking -- recidivism -- MOTS-R -- offenders; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.973
• DOI: 10.1177/1043986215608472
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-9862

Abstract

Crime persists in plaguing society, with most crimes committed by repeat offenders. This causes an increase in the incarcerated population and strains correctional systems. Understanding why individuals who have been incarcerated continue to recidivate remains an important focus for investigation. Psychopathic personality traits and criminogenic thinking have both been shown to predict recidivism. However, there is currently little research that focuses on the relationship between these two risk factors, and no prior research has examined this relationship specifically among incarcerated offenders. To address this gap, the present study examined psychopathy and criminogenic thinking among 399 adult males incarcerated in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Results indicated that after controlling for demographic variables, increased primary and secondary psychopathy significantly predicted increased overall and particular subtypes of criminogenic thinking. Implications for addressing psychopathic personality characteristics and criminogenic thinking conjointly in prison-based treatment programming to reduce recidivism are discussed.