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 violence and reporting that the offence was traumatic were related to a current diagnosis of PTSD. Differing prevalences and patterns of PTSD symptoms were noted for Blackburn's offender types. Primary psychopaths showed instrumental violence and were the least traumatized. Secondary psychopaths were the most symptomatic, but not necessarily due to involvement in the homicide. Controlled and inhibited types both typically displayed reactive violence and had higher levels of current PTSD symptoms related to involvement in the offence itself. Conclusions. The extent to which PTSD follows homicide is a function of both personality type and form of violence. The results can be understood in terms of the cognitive model of Meichenbaum (1996) and also the defining dimensions of Blackburn's typology.

Personality Disorders, Types of Violence, and Stress Responses in Female Who Perpetrate Intimate Partner Violence

“…Full emotional realization is often an integral step for resolution in PTSD therapy (see Foa & Hearst-Ikeda, 1996), and therefore must be addressed with such clients. As previously mentioned, an association between PTSD and violence perpetration as been found in other samples (e.g., Jakupcak & Tull, 2005;Pollock, 1999;Stuart, Moore, Gordon, Ramsey, & Kahler, 2006;Taft et al, 2005). Together, these results suggest that further investigation should focus on narcissistic and antisocial batterers in light of the incidence of reported physical violence both within and outside of intimate relationships.…”

“…It has also been found that women who are court mandated to attend violence intervention programs, as compared with women in the general population, may experience elevated levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Goldenson, Geffner, Foster, & Clipson, 2007;Stuart, Moore, Gordon, Ramsey, & Kahler, 2006). As an association between PTSD symptoms and an increase in the likelihood of engaging in subsequent violent acts has been found in other samples (e.g., Pollock, 1999), this is certainly an important facet of violence perpetration in the domestic context. It is additionally apparent that, as is the case with males, identifying features of female who perpetrate IPV has important applied implications.…”

Police Interviews With Victims And Suspects of Violent and Sexual Crimes; Interviewees' Experiences and Interview Outcomes

“…These crimes may deeply affect the individuals involved both physically and psychologically, and have been reported to have long-lasting consequences for the stricken human being (see, e.g. Blackburn, 1993;Dahl, 1992;Kilpatrick, Resnick, Saunders & Best, 1998;Pollock, 1999). Moreover, besides the direct involvement in violent or sexual crimes, anyone who engages empathically with trauma victims can be, through a cumulative process, affected by vicarious traumatization through listening to traumatic material while fulfilling a caring role.…”

The Women’s Perpetrated Murder Experience

“…The impact of the murder for its perpetrator would be greater when the murder is against his beliefs and values. So, if the murder is something that the perpetrator condemns and considers wrong, it will generate more guilt and regret [30]. As we found on our study, the unsystematic planning of the murder will be related to the fragility of decision making process that leads to the murder, which relates with the perception of the murder as inconsonant with the perception of self that, as Pollock [30] states, will lead to more deep regret and guilt, as we found in our participants.…”