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[Anxiety and depression levels in rape offenders]
E Herrera-Hernández1, L Marván, M Saavedra
1Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Universidad Veracruzana, México.
Acta Psiquiatrica Y Psicologica De America Latina
|March 1, 1993
Summary
This study found that imprisoned rapists exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to other inmates. These findings suggest some offenders may be anxious-depressive individuals who commit sexual offenses.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- The personality traits of individuals who commit rape are not fully understood.
- While some rapists are diagnosed as sadistic, other psychopathological indicators remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential personality traits, specifically anxiety and depression, in imprisoned adult rapists.
- To compare the psychological profiles of rapists with those of inmates convicted of other felonies.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the IDARE scale, and the Zung Depression Scale.
- These scales were administered in a modified Spanish version to a sample of imprisoned adult rapists and a control group.
Main Results:
- Imprisoned rapists scored significantly higher on anxiety and depression scales compared to the control group.
- This suggests a correlation between higher anxiety and depression levels and the commission of rape.
Conclusions:
- Some individuals who commit rape may present with anxious-depressive characteristics.
- These individuals might develop sociopathic behaviors, leading to offenses when not experiencing self-directed depressive aggression.