When The Killer Suffers: Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions Following Homicide
Abstract
Objectives. The present study aimed to consider the extent to which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after homicide and to examine characteristics of the offence and the offender which contribute to the development of these symptoms. It was proposed that type of violence (reactive versus instrumental) would be related to PTSD symptoms. Using Blackburn's typology of violent offenders, it was also hypothesized that primary and secondary psychopath, controlled and inhibited types would demonstrate differing forms of violence, prevalences and patterns of post-traumatic stress symptoms following the homicide.
Method. Eighty homicide perpetrators were allocated equally to the four offender types based on their profiles on the Special Hospitals Assessment of Personality and Socialisation (SHAPS). Each offender completed the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Interview and the violence displayed during the index offence was classified as either reactive or instrumental.
Results. Of the total sample, 52% met criteria for current PTSD. Reactive...
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