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The associations between physiological measures (i.e., heart rate and skin conductance) of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and severe antisocial spectrum behavior (AB) were meta-analyzed. We used an exhaustive partitioning of variables relevant to the ANS–AB association and investigated four highly relevant questions (on declining effect sizes, psychopathy subscales, moderators, and ANS measures) that are thought to be transformative for future research on AB. We investigated a broad spectrum of physiological measures (e.g., heart rate (variability), pre-ejection period) in relation to AB. The search date for the current meta-analysis was on January 1st, 2020, includes 101 studies and 769 effect sizes. Results indicate that effect sizes are heterogeneous and bidirectional. The careful partitioning of variables sheds light on the complex associations that were obscured in previous meta-analyses. Effects are largest for the most violent offenders and for psychopathy and are dependent on the experimental tasks used, parameters calculated, and analyses run. Understanding the specificity of physiological reactions may be expedient for differentiating between (and within) types of AB.

Psychopathy has been widely studied among criminal populations. Most analyses address it in institutionalized populations, however, the present study examines the psychometric properties of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) in 642 court-referred partner-violent men serving suspended prison sentences. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure (primary and secondary psychopathy) of the original scale. The resulting scale was a brief-form version of the LSRP that presents satisfactory data in terms of internal consistency and criterion validity, and significant positive correlations with measures of intimate partner violence (IPV), antisocial personality traits and impulsivity. In terms of known-groups validity, meanwhile, psychopathy was found to decrease with the age of the participants. In this light, the LSRP brief-form offers adequate psychometric reliability as an instrument to measure primary and secondary psychopathy in partner-violent men serving suspended sentences, This research was supported by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (National Plan I+D+I; Reference number: PSI2008-02215)

Contains fulltext : 240018.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The associations between physiological measures (i.e., heart rate and skin conductance) of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and severe antisocial spectrum behavior (AB) were meta-analyzed. We used an exhaustive partitioning of variables relevant to the ANS–AB association and investigated four highly relevant questions (on declining effect sizes, psychopathy subscales, moderators, and ANS measures) that are thought to be transformative for future research on AB. We investigated a broad spectrum of physiological measures (e.g., heart rate (variability), pre-ejection period) in relation to AB. The search date for the current meta-analysis was on January 1st, 2020, includes 101 studies and 769 effect sizes. Results indicate that effect sizes are heterogeneous and bidirectional. The careful partitioning of variables sheds light on the complex associations that were obscured in previous meta-analyses. Effects are largest for the most violent offenders and for psychopathy and are dependent on the experimental tasks used, parameters calculated, and analyses run. Understanding the specificity of physiological reactions may be expedient for differentiating between (and within) types of AB. 30 p.

Las distorsiones cognitivas influyen en el desarrollo y mantenimiento de la violencia. En agresores de pareja, la negación del problema y la culpabilización de la víctima son especialmente prevalentes, promoviendo una menor asunción de responsabilidades. Este trabajo revisa las propiedades psicométricas de un inventario diseñado para la evaluación de pensamientos distorsionados sobre la mujer y la violencia. Se analiza su aplicación en 180 agresores en prisión, así como los resultados de 11 estudios previos, comparando dos formatos de corrección (verdadero/falso y likert/factorial). el análisis factorial permitió eliminar los ítems 7, 8, 19 y 28 y agrupar el contenido en 4 factores. El ítem 27 se eliminó por considerarlo erróneo. Se detectaron limitaciones de la herramienta, como una poca sensibilidad al cambio terapéutico y baja capacidad discriminativa entre distintas muestras. Se discuten las precauciones a tener en cuenta a la hora de utilizar la herramienta en el ámbito profesional. Cognitive distortions are related to the development and maintenance of violent behavior. Among partner-violent men the denial of the problem, and victim blaming are especially prevalent, and reduce accountability. This paper reviews the psychometric properties of an inventory designed to assess distortions about women and violence justification. Its application in 180 offenders in prison is analyzed, as well as the results of 11 previous studies, comparing two correction options (true/false and Likert/factorial). Factor analysis allowed to remove items 7, 8, 19 and 28 due to their low statistical significance, and to group them in four factors. Item 27 was removed because is considered to be wrong. Some limitations were detected, as can be a low sensitivity to therapeutic change, and a low capacity to discriminate between different samples. Precautions to be taken when using the tool in the professional field are discussed.

Frecuentemente se señalan variables emocionales para describir el perfil de los agresores de pareja y para incorporarlas a los programas de tratamiento. El presente estudio compara las puntuaciones en apego adulto, empatía y autoestima de 90 agresores de pareja en prisión con un grupo de control de la población general (N=94). Ambas muestras fueron evaluadas con el Cuestionario de Apego Adulto, el Índice de Reactividad Interpersonal y la Escala de Autoestima. Los agresores fueron clasificados en dos conglomerados para valorar la posible existencia de un subtipo patológico y otro parecido a la población general. Los resultados no muestran diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Pese a no confirmarse las hipótesis predominantes a nivel académico, los resultados son congruentes con estudios recientes que señalan la ausencia de diferencias entre agresores y grupos normativos. Se discute el efecto de los instrumentos de evaluación en los resultados y su utilidad para las intervenciones. It is common to refer emotional variables to describe the profile of partner-violent men as well as to include them in treatment programs. This study compares scores on adult attachment, empathy and self-esteem of 90 offenders in prison and a control group from the general population (N = 94). Both samples were assessed with the Adult Attachment Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The offenders were also classified into two clusters to assess the possible existence of a pathological subtype and other similar to the control group. The results show no significant differences between groups. Although the prevailing hypothesis in the academic context has not been confirmed, the results are consistent with recent studies that indicate no differences between aggressors and control groups. The effect of the assessment tools on the results and their usefulness for interventions are discussed.