Affective and personality characteristics of MMPI profile subgroups of incarcerated rapists

Abstract

Psychometric studies attempting to understand adult rapists have primarily used the MMPI and have been of limited use. Also, psychodynamic theories have failed to provide objective criteria for classification. The present study attempted to integrate these two approaches. Using multivariate clustering procedures, five MMPI profile subgroups were identified. Subgroups replicated those identified in earlier studies. Subgroups were also differentiated along several sexual, affective, and personality measures independent of the MMPI. Results are integrated with psychodynamic theories of rape and implications of the findings and the utility of a classification system for rapists are discussed.