Personality Types Among Abnormal Homicides*

The main personality types occurring among abnormal homicides were determined by means of a cluster analysis of MMPI profiles of fifty-six Broadmoor patients. The analysis yielded four independent profile types, by which it was possible to classify four-fifths of the sample. These were identified as: (1) an over-controlled-repressor type characterised by an absence of reported disturbance, but a marked tendency to make use of denial and avoidance mechanisms; (2) a paranoid-aggressive type showing severe and wide spread psychopathology and poor impulse control; (3) a depressed-inhibited type who reveal subjective depression, social withdrawal and inhibition; ( a psychopathic group who are extraverted, extra-punitive and impulsive, but who do not reveal any significant subjective distress. Significant differences were found between the groups on background variables, suggesting that the typology is meaningful. It was suggested that Types 1 and 3 on the one hand, and 2 and 4 on the other represent broad categories of over-controlled and under-controlled personalities. The presence of a substantial number of over-controlled personalities is consistent with a theory linking instigation and personality type to extreme aggression.