Alexithymia in nonviolent offenders. (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parry, Cate L.; Preece, David A.; Allan, Maria M.; Allan, Alfred
• Is Part Of: Criminal behaviour and mental health. Volume 31:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: alexithymia -- emotion processing -- nonviolent crime -- nonviolent offending; Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Criminal behavior -- Periodicals; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Criminal Psychology -- Periodicals; Dangerous Behavior -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Comportement criminel; Criminel; Psychologie; Santé mentale; Psychiatrie médico-légale; Psychologie criminelle; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 364.305
• DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-9664

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Alexithymia is a trait involving difficulties processing emotions. Existing data suggest it is associated with violent offending. In violent offender programmes, therefore, violent offenders are screened for alexithymia and it is attended to if necessary. No studies have, however, examined alexithymia levels in nonviolent offenders and it is, therefore, unknown whether it is also a criminogenic factor in this population. Aims: To investigate alexithymia levels among incarcerated nonviolent offenders and compare them with a community comparison group. Method: The 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale was used to compare the alexithymia levels of 67 incarcerated nonviolent offenders with a group of 139 people from the general public living in the community. Results: Alexithymia levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: It appears that alexithymia is not a criminogenic factor for nonviolent offenders and screening of such offenders appears unnecessary.