A PCL-R, PAI, and Rorschach Study of Women Who Murder

Authors

Jason M. Smith, Maverick Psychology Training and Consultation, PLLC
Carl B. Gacono, Maverick Psychology Training and Consultation, PLLC
Ted B. Cunliffe, Maverick Psychology Training and Consultation, PLLC

Abstract

Murder is antithetical to any traditional conceptualization of femininity or the nurturer role. Women do, however, commit murder, as well as a plethora of other heinous offenses. Understanding the personality of women who murder is of both clinical and scientific interest. In this study, we present the PCL-R, PAI, and Rorschach data of 24 incarcerated women who have murdered. We explored the interpersonal, affective, cognitive, and self-concept vulnerabilities that contributed to this behavior within the female offender model. The results were placed within societal contexts (i.e., media) as well as providing recommendations for assessment and treatment of this population.

Recommended Citation

Smith, Jason M.; Gacono, Carl B.; and Cunliffe, Ted B. (2023) "A PCL-R, PAI, and Rorschach Study of Women Who Murder," Archives of Assessment Psychology: Vol. 13, Article 3.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/psyassessment/vol13/iss1/3