Rorschach Oral Dependency in psychopaths, sexual homicide perpetrators, and nonviolent pedophiles

Abstract

Rorschach Oral Dependency scores (Masling, Rabie, & Blondheim, 1967) were compared among nonsexually offending psychopaths (NSOPs, n = 32), sexual homicide perpetrators (SHPs, n = 38), and non-violent pedophiles (NVPs, n = 39) as initially reported by Gacono, Meloy, and Bridges (2000). The aggressive special scores of Gacono and Meloy (1994; Gacono, unpublished doctoral dissertation, 1998) were also scored and compared with ROD scores. Consistent with theory and predictions, NVPs were found to have significantly higher levels of oral dependency scores than NSOPs or SHPs. Additionally, there was a high degree of association between oral dependency and aggression in the SHP and NSOP groups. These Rorschach differences support the validity of the ROD as an implicit measure of dependency and add to the understanding of the dynamics that fuel sexually deviant violence.

Illuminating a Neglected Clinical Issue: Societal Costs of Interpersonal Dependency and Dependent Personality Disorder

“…The PPD work group's decision to remove DPD from the DSM‐5 is inconsistent with a wealth of scientific evidence, and not in accordance with the American Psychiatric Association's Guidelines for Making Changes to DSM‐V (Kendler et al., ). Moreover, because DPD is associated with behaviors involving significant self‐harm (Baity et al., ) and violence toward others (Huprich et al., ) this decision may ultimately lead to myriad negative consequences for dependent adults, those close to them, and society as a whole.…”

“…Additional evidence documenting the dependency‐child abuse link was provided by Huprich, Gacano, Schneider, and Bridges (), who compared Rorschach Oral Dependency (ROD) scores (Masling, Rabie, & Blondheim, ) in three groups of incarcerated men: (a) nonsexually offending psychopaths; (b) sexual homicide perpetrators; and (c) nonviolent pedophiles (see Meloy, , for a discussion of underlying dependency strivings in pedophiles and other sexual offenders). As predicted, nonviolent pedophiles and sexual homicide perpetrators had significantly higher ROD scores than did nonsexually offending psychopaths, suggesting that high levels of underlying dependency needs may play a role in pedophilia and sexual homicide.…”

“…As Huprich et al. (, p. 353) noted, pedophiles tend to “experience low self‐esteem and dysphoria…. Their acting out may be triggered by such feelings and fueled by [underlying] dependency.…”

“…Alternatively, the immaturity, insecurity, emotional neediness, and low frustration tolerance associated with high levels of dependency in adults may indirectly increase abuse risk, as Huprich et al. () suggested.…”

Magnetic Resonance Techniques in Study of Sexual Stimuli Processing in Paedophilia

“…They have difficulty with mature age-appropriate interpersonal interactions, particularly because of their reduced assertiveness, elevated levels of passive-aggressivity, and increased anger or hostility (Egan et al, 2005;Huprich et al, 2004;Vandiver, 2006;Vandiver & Kercher, 2004). Finally, has been found other differences between paedophilia and control groups.…”