Psychopathic traits in young offenders vs. non-offenders in similar socioeconomic condition

Objective: To analyze the differences in psychopathic traits between offender and non-offender youths with similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Method: The Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) scale was used to identify whether 39 young offenders with no history of mental disorders or criteria for psychopathy exhibited differences in its total score, and specifically for factor 1 or factor 2 of this scale, when compared with 32 other young people, living in similar socioeconomic conditions, who had not committed offenses. Results: We observed statistically significant between-group differences (p < 0.01) in mean PCL-R scores, with a mean score of 13.4 in the offender group vs. 2.1 in the non-offender group. We also detected significant between-group differences when we analyzed mean factor 1 (p < 0.01) and factor 2 (p < 0.01) scores separately. Although the groups exhibited statistically significant difference in educational attainment, between-group comparison of mean PCL-R scores controlling for educational attainment by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that the difference in PCL-R scores remained statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that, in this sample, the presence of both primary (interpersonal/affective characteristics) and secondary (lifestyle/antisocial behavior) psychopathic traits differed between offender and non-offender youths, even when excluding psychopathy and other mental disorders from the assessments. These results suggest a need for wide-ranging interventions, not restricted to socioeconomic aspects, for the management of juvenile delinquency. .

Homicide and Klinefelter syndrome: a complex interaction

Introduction: Several studies have shown an association between homicide and sexual chromosomal abnormalities, but data are still lacking regarding Klinefelter syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed two cases of homicide perpetrators who were both diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome on the basis of a karyotype analysis. A neurocognitive assessment was also performed (MMSE, Frontal Assessment Battery, brain CT, and electroencephalogram). Results: Numerous intermediate risk factors of homicide were shared by our two cases, including dispositional (male gender, young age, low socioeconomic status), historical (prior arrest record and past conviction for any offense), contextual (unemployment), and clinical (alcohol abuse). Conclusion: It is important that clinicians go beyond obvious risk factors, such as chromosomal abnormalities, to pinpoint other meaningful risk factors and potentially facilitate preventive approaches. .

Criminal career-related factors among female robbers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and a presumed 'revolving-door' situation / Fatores relacionados à carreira criminal em mulheres condenadas por roubo no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e uma situação presumível de "porta giratória"

INTRODUCTION: Risk-taking behaviors, family criminality, poverty, and poor parenting have been frequently associated with an earlier onset of criminal activities and a longer criminal career among male convicts. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify factors related to the onset and recurrence of criminal behavior among female robbers in the State of São Paulo - Brazil. METHOD: It was a cross-sectional study carried out inside a feminine penitentiary in São Paulo. From June 2006 to June 2010, 175 inmates convicted only for robbery were recruited to be evaluated about family antecedents of criminal conviction, alcohol and drug misuse, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial features. RESULTS Having family antecedents of criminal conviction consistently predicted an earlier onset of criminal activities and a longer criminal career among female robbers. Drug use in youth and the severity of drug misuse were significantly related to the initiation and recurrence of criminal behavior, respectively. DISCUSSION: Prisons must systematically screen detainees and provide treatments for those with health problems in general. Children of inmates should obtain help to modify the negative consequences of their parents' incarceration in order to mitigate the negative consequences of pursuing this 'static' factor.

INTRODUÇÃO:Comportamentos de correr riscos, criminalidade familiar, pobreza e pais inadequados foram frequentemente associados a um início mais precoce de atividades criminais e a uma carreira criminal mais longa em presos do sexo masculino. OBJETIVO:Esse estudo visa identificar os fatores relacionados ao início e à recorrência do comportamento criminal em mulheres assaltantes no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODO: Este foi um estudo em corte transversal realizado dentro de uma penitenciária feminina em São Paulo. De junho de 2006 a junho de 2010, 175 internas condenadas apenas por roubo foram recrutadas para avaliação quanto a antecedentes familiares de condenação por crimes, uso inadequado de drogas e álcool, impulsividade, sintomas depressivos e características psicossociais. RESULTADOS: Ter antecedentes familiares de condenação por crimes predisse consistentemente um início mais precoce de atividades criminais e uma carreira criminal mais longa em mulheres assaltantes. O uso de drogas na juventude e a gravidade do uso de drogas estavam significativamente relacionados respectivamente ao início e à recorrência do comportamento criminal. DISCUSSÃO: As prisões deveriam avaliar sistematicamente os presos e proporcionar tratamento para aqueles com problemas de saúde em geral. Os filhos dos internos deveriam obter ajuda para modificar as consequências do encarceramento de seus pais e reduzir as consequências negativas da evolução desse fator 'estático.'.