Criminal Thinking Patterns in Narcissistic and Antisocial Probationers

Schwedler, Sheila M. (2008) Criminal Thinking Patterns in Narcissistic and Antisocial Probationers. Master's, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

Offenders with Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders are being incarcerated, many without treatment or the ability to obtain necessary psychiatric help. This research project highlights these two personality disorders and their relationship with criminal thinking patterns. A study of 73 probationers (62 males & 11 females) from a probation facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut was conducted. The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI) and Criminogenic Thinking Profile (CTP) instruments were used to identify personality disorders and criminal thinking patterns. The findings showed Antisocial Personality Disorder was correlated with the criminal thinking patterns of Disregard for Others, Inability to Cope, Justifying, and Outsourcing Responsibility. Antisocial personality disorder also correlated with the CTP total score. Narcissistic Personality Disorder only correlated with Grandiosity. Results suggest that Antisocial Personality Disorder may be a risk factor for criminal thinking patterns in offenders, which can lead to higher rates of incarceration if not properly assessed and left untreated. Future studies need to examine a larger sample of female offenders.