Self-Reported Disorders Among Serial Homicide Offenders: Data From the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III

This project reports the results of 60 male serial homicide offenders’ profiles on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III (MCMI-III). The geographical distance between potential participants increases the difficulty in effectively measuring psychological features. Therefore, self-report is a viable option for this type of research. Using a computer-generated correctional report, the Severe Personality Pathologies and Clinical Personality Patterns were analyzed for possible traits relating to Axis I and Axis II suggested diagnoses.1 Results show that the majority of murderers sampled had at least one Axis I classification and nearly half had more than one. All participants had either features or traits of an Axis II disorder, with slightly more than half having met the cutoff for a diagnosed disorder. The measurement of a highly violent specialized group requires many considerations and extensive resources, but a preliminary understanding is possible with a carefully gauged approach.