NCJ Number
207195
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 9 Issue: 6 Dated: September-October 2004 Pages: 633-644
Editor(s)
Vincent B. Van Hasselt,
Michel Hersen
Date Published
September 2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines two theories of personality used to explore the relationships between personality and psychopathology as causes of new sexual offenses.
Abstract
This review and critique covers two theories of personality: 1) a psychoanalytic theory of rapist personality offered by Groth (1979) and 2) a general biosocial theory or personality disturbance offered by Millon (1996) pertaining to traits of disordered personality as measured by the American Psychiatric Association. The analysis and critique of Groth’s theory of rape follows a process of analysis from abstract to concrete levels of measurement that have been outlined in previous work. In addition, the analysis provides a summary assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Groth’s theory. A discussion of singular elements of Millon’s theory is presented because a full critique on his theory of disturbed personality and its relationships with “normal” or nonpathological personality could not be considered in this article. Aspects of both theories are combined to suggest possible causes of characteristic psychological disturbance associated with the perpetration of sexual assault. These theories are offered as two examples of theoretical perspectives that clinicians and researchers may use to explore the relationships between personality and psychopathology as causes of new sexual offenses. Applications for research and practice are considered, and implications of this line of research for risk assessment and sexual assault prevention are reviewed. References, 3 tables, and 1 figure