Predicting Violent Behavior in Swiss Prisons
Author Information
Author(s): Endrass Jérôme, Rossegger Astrid, Urbaniok Frank, Laubacher Arja, Vetter Stefan
Primary Institution: Psychiatric/Psychological Service, Criminal Justice System, Canton of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The PCL-R would be a good instrument for predicting in-prison aggressive behavior.
Conclusion
The study found that the PCL-R is primarily predictive for verbal aggression but not for physical aggression in a Swiss prison population.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean PCL-R score was 12 points.
- 83.2% of inmates had been reported for a disciplinary infraction.
- Both the sum score and Factor 1 predicted verbal aggression.
- Only a moderate association between PCL-R scores and prison misconduct was observed.
- Most violent infractions were reactive rather than instrumental.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a test for psychopathy could help predict if prisoners would be violent. It found that the test was better at predicting yelling and threats than actual fights.
Methodology
PCL-R scores were assessed for imprisoned sex and violent offenders, and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate aggression as a function of the PCL-R sum score.
Potential Biases
The study relied on file data without direct contact with prisoners, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by the low base rate of severe violence and the controlled environment of the prison.
Participant Demographics
All participants were male, with a mean age of 36.3 years; 57.5% were Swiss nationals.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.963–1.094 for physical aggression, 95% CI: 1.011–1.160 for verbal aggression
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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