Child molester and rapist differences in anger and hostility as measured by the MMPI-2 and STAXI /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1992.
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| Online Access: | Link to ProQuest copy Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to investigate anger and hostility differences between incarcerated nonviolent child molesters and incarcerated adult rapists. Anger and hostility were measured using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), Hysteria (Hy), Dominance (Do), Anger (Ang), and Overcontrolled Hostility (O-H) scales and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) Angry Temperament (A/T), Angry Reaction (A/R), Anger-in (A/in), Anger-out (A/out), Anger Control (A/Con), and Anger Expression (A/Ex) scales. Subjects included in the study were 40 incarcerated nonviolent child molesters and 40 incarcerated adult rapists. Both groups consisted of males incarcerated at the Texas Department of Corrections for child molestation or rape. Offenders convicted of child rape or sexual assault of a child were not included in the study. Subjects were asked to complete the MMPI-2 and the STAXI. The data were analyzed by using multivariate analysis of variance and a chi-square contingency test. Results of the study indicated that nonviolent child molesters and adult rapists do differ significantly in their expression and experience of anger. Of the five scales from the MMPI-2, only the Anger (Ang) scale showed a significant difference between the groups with rapists reporting more anger and hostility than child molesters. Overall, the MMPI-2 group mean profiles indicated that both groups have difficulty incorporating the values and standards of society, lack self-confidence, and feel inadequate. Significant differences between child molesters and rapists were found on all six scales of the STAXI. Rapists scored higher on the A/T, A/R, A/In, A/Out, and A/Ex scales, whereas child molesters were higher on the A/Con scale. Results suggest that rapists experience intense angry feelings which may be expressed in aggressive behavior or suppressed. Nonviolent child molesters, on the other hand, use denial and repression to prevent the experience of anger. Their defenses may constitute a primary means for coping with and avoiding anger... |
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| Item Description: | "Major subject: Counseling Psychology." Typescript (photocopy). Vita. |
| Physical Description: | ix, 129 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |