NCJ Number
196333
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2002 Pages: 400-411
Date Published
August 2002
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article assesses the ways in which object relations theory might aid researchers in understanding the origins and treatment of psychopathy.
Abstract
In this journal article, objects relations theory is discussed and assessed as a means for explaining the origins and treatment of psychopathy. Following a brief introduction to psychopathy and to objection relations theory, the authors explain that the origins of psychopathy are not well understood, complicating psychopathy treatment efforts. Describing their study of 74 males referred for mental health evaluation and sentenced to probation in New York City, the authors discuss the clinical evaluation of research subjects and the 45-item true false questionnaire, the Bell Object Relations Inventory (BORI), that research subjects were administered. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to statistically assess bivariate associations between the dimensions of psychopathy and object relations. Results indicate that there were significant correlations between psychopathy scores, object relations dimensions, and childhood background data. Results from this study suggest that object relations deficits comprise a core component of psychopathy and that psychopaths conceal significant psychosocial damage in the form of anger, bitterness, profound anxiety, and resentment. Tables, references