ABSTRACT
Sex offenders are heterogeneous in personality and behavioral characteristics. The present study was conducted to identify homogeneous subgroups of incarcerated sexual offenders against children on the basis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Subjects were 90 men undergoing initial evaluation for a treatment program conducted through a state department of corrections. Hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in the identification of four profile subgroups. While two subgroups presented mean profiles within normal limits, the patterns indicated differences in personality functioning: one presenting signs of sociopathy and the other emotional disturbance. In contrast, the other two profile subgroups presented several scale elevations: One subgroup indicated anger and aggression and the other severe psychopathology. Both of the latter subgroups were similar to two rapist subtypes identified in previous research. Subgroups were further differentiated on the basis of psychosexual, affective, and psychosocial variables. Results suggest the existence of homogeneous subgroups of incarcerated sexual offenders against children as delineated by the MPPI.
