Neuropsychological and intellectual differences between types of murderers: affective/impulsive versus predatory/instrumental (premeditated) homicide

The notion that affective/impulsive violence and predatory/instrumental violence constitute distinct behavioral phenotypes has been supported in the forensic literature. Prior research suggests that offenders committing affective/impulsive homicide exhibit differing patterns of anomalous regional br...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hanlon, Robert E. 1957- (Author)
Contributors: Brook, Michael ; Stratton, John ; Jensen, Marie ; Rubin, Leah H.
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2013
In: Criminal justice and behavior
Year: 2013, Volume: 40, Issue: 8, Pages: 933-948
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Keywords:
Homicide
Intelligence
Murder
Neuropsychology
premeditated violence
Description
Summary:The notion that affective/impulsive violence and predatory/instrumental violence constitute distinct behavioral phenotypes has been supported in the forensic literature. Prior research suggests that offenders committing affective/impulsive homicide exhibit differing patterns of anomalous regional brain activation and decreased executive functions relative to predatory/instrumental homicide offenders. However, no prior research has examined the extent to which murderers who kill impulsively versus those who kill as the result of the execution of a premeditated strategic plan differ with regard to other neuropsychological functions and intelligence. Based on established criteria, we classified 77 murderers into affective/impulsive and predatory/instrumental groups, and compared their performance on standardized measures of intelligence and neuropsychological functioning. Results revealed significant differences between the affective/impulsive group (mean Full Scale IQ = 79) and the predatory/instrumental group (mean Full Scale IQ = 93) on indices of intelligence, memory, attention, and executive functioning. Most differences remained significant after controlling for relevant background factors.
ISSN:1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854813479779