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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:36
An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime
Published on: May 3, 2016
Women who kill their parents
1Department of Psychiatry, Royal Free Hospital, London.
Summary
This study examined female parricide, finding matricide linked to social isolation and hostile mother relationships, irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis. These factors are crucial for understanding matricide risk.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
Background:
- Parricide literature review focusing on female offenders.
- Identification of 17 female parricides (14 matricides, 3 patricides) across correctional and psychiatric facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and psychiatric profiles of female parricide offenders.
- To compare female matricides with male matricides and filicides.
- To identify significant risk factors in matricide cases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and case identification.
- Analysis of psychiatric diagnoses (schizophrenia, psychotic depression, personality disorders, alcoholism).
- Examination of social and familial dynamics.
Main Results:
- Matricides were typically single, socially isolated, mid-life women living with domineering mothers.
- Two patricides acted in retaliation against abusive fathers.
- Matricides were older, single, and had higher rates of mental illness and substance abuse compared to filicides.
- Schizophrenia was prevalent in male matricides.
Conclusions:
- Social and familial factors, particularly the mother-daughter relationship, are highly significant in matricide, potentially outweighing specific psychiatric diagnoses.
- Delusions of poisoning and hypochondriacal delusions may indicate homicidal risk.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for risk assessment and prevention strategies in parricide cases.
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