Child and adult witnesses with intellectual disability: The importance of suggestibility

Purpose. The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between learning (intellectual) disability and interrogative suggestibility among children (11‐12 years old) and adults. Method. The Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS 2) was administered to 110 children and 221 adults who were categorized into three groups according to fullscale IQ scores: (1) normal IQ (>75); (2) mild impairment (IQ score 55‐75); and (3) moderate impairment (IQ score <55). Results. Highly significant differences in memory and suggestibility emerged in both the child and adult samples across groups. Using memory as a covariate in the analysis eliminated the significant group differences for ‘yield 1’ among the children, but not for adults. There was no significant influence of memory on ‘shift’ in either group. Whereas ‘shift’ was significantly influenced by intellectual disability in children, no significant difference emerged across groups among adults. Conclusions. Children and adults with learning disability have much poorer memory and higher suggestibility scores than their contemporariesof normal intelligence. Differences in suggestibility are only partly explained by poorer memory scores. The findings reveal important differences between children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Children with learning disabilities are more susceptible to altering their answers under pressure than are adults with learning disabilities.     

道路交通事故轻度精神伤残者智能损害评定

目的探索道路交通事故轻度精神伤残者智能损害评定方法和价值。方法通过分析智商测定在轻度精神伤残者评定中的运用,探索智商测定在轻度精神伤残者智能损害评定中的运用价值。结果不同性质颅脑损伤组间不同智能损害程度构成比有统计学差异（P〈0.05）;量表智商与颅脑损伤性质有关（P〈0.05）,除继发全面性与继发局部性损害（P〈0.05）、继发局部性与混合性损害之间（P〈0.01）有统计学差异外,其余各组两两之间均无统计学差异;不同颅脑损伤程度组间不同智能损害程度构成比无统计学差异;量表智商与颅脑损伤程度呈负相关（P〈0.01）,除中型与重型损伤之间无统计学差异外,其余各组两两之间均具有统计学差异;智能损害程度、量表智商均与精神伤残等级呈正相关（P〈0.01）;量表智商并非评价智能损害的唯一指标,智能损害也并非精神伤残唯一的构成因素。结论智商测定对评价智能损害与精神伤残具有一定参考价值,精神伤残评定需根据颅脑损伤性质与程度、智能损害或精神障碍程度以及生活、社会功能状况综合评定。     

颅脑损伤患者智能和记忆损害的相关因素研究

目的探讨交通事故所致颅脑损伤伤者的智能和记忆损害及相关因素。方法 统计分析成都市1999年1月1日至2001年12月31日间因交通事故造成颅脑损伤的652例伤者的心理测验、脑电图及脑影像学资料。结果研究组平均智商为77.85±15.97,27.9％的伤者智商低于70;51.9％的记忆商低于51。智力损害与文化程度、左颞叶损伤、≥3个脑叶损伤以及脑电图异常明显相关;记忆损害与文化程度、损伤和鉴定检查的间隔时间、脑于损伤、左颞叶损伤、脑电图异常明显相关。结论交通事故造成颅脑损伤的伤者多有不同程度的智力和记忆损害,且与左颞叶损伤、脑电图异常、文化程度、脑干损伤等因素有关。     

Psychopathy, intelligence and conviction history

The current study examined the relationship between psychopathy, intelligence and two variables describing the conviction history (length of conviction and number of prior convictions). It was hypothesized that psychopathy factors (interpersonal and antisocial factors assuming a 2-factor model or interpersonal, affective, lifestyle and antisocial factors assuming a 4-factor model) would be related in different ways to IQ scores, length of conviction and number of prior convictions. Psychopathy and IQ were assessed using the PCL:SV and the CFT 20-R respectively. Results indicated no association between interpersonal psychopathy features (Factor 1, two-factor model), IQ and the number of prior convictions but a positive association between Factor 1 and the length of conviction. Antisocial features (Factor 2, two-factor model) were negatively related to IQ and the length of conviction and positively related to the number of prior convictions. Results were further differentiated for the four-factor model of psychopathy. The relationship between IQ and psychopathy features was further assessed by statistically isolating the effects of the two factors of psychopathy. It was found that individuals scoring high on interpersonal features of psychopathy are more intelligent than those scoring high on antisocial features, but less intelligent than those scoring low on both psychopathy features. The results underpin the importance of allocating psychopathic individuals to subgroups on the basis of personality characteristics and criminological features. These subgroups may identify different types of offenders and may be highly valuable for defining treatment needs and risk of future violence.     

An assessment for attitudes consistent with sexual offending for use with offenders with intellectual disabilities

Background . Over the past 10 years, the focus of assessment and treatment for sex offenders has changed from the assessment of skills and deviant sexual preferences to the assessment and treatment of cognitions that might be considered to encourage or justify inappropriate sexual behaviour. There have been a few assessment measures of deviant sexual cognitions developed for adults in mainstream sex offender populations but none in less able populations. The present study describes an assessment questionnaire consisting of 7 scales for cognitions associated with rape, voyeurism, exhibitionism, dating abuse, stalking, homosexual assault and offences against children, designed to be used by sex offenders with intellectual disabilities. Method . Four groups of subjects were employed in this study – sex offenders, non‐sexual offenders, non‐offenders all with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intelligence and a further group of normal men. All subjects completed the questionnaire and 86 subjects provided reliability data. Results . Each item was subjected to 3 tests of reliability. Retained items were required to achieve an item‐to‐total correlation of at least 0.4. Of the 7 scales, 5 achieved an internal consistency coefficient of 0.8 or greater. All scales successfully discriminated between groups even when the normal controls were eliminated because their scores were so low. Conclusions . It is possible to develop scales to assess cognitions related to types of offences which discriminate between sex offenders and other groups with intellectual disabilities. The final scales have robust statistical properties and can be used for clinical and research purposes. Some caution was noted in the use of attitudinal assessments for sex offenders.     

On intelligence and crime: a comparison of incarcerated sex offenders and serious non-sexual violent criminals

The impact of low IQ on crime has been a focus of debate for several decades now. Although sociologists have virtually removed it from the list of possible factors influencing crime, the impact of IQ on crime continues to generate a significant amount of scientific research and a substantial number of publications. The purpose of this study is to assess intellectual levels and to compare two groups of incarcerated criminals. Using MANCOVA and ANCOVA procedures, 261 sex offenders and 150 non-sexual violent criminals were compared on IQ subscales. The results show significant differences on vocabulary, comprehension, arithmetic, mental math computations, object assembly, letter-number sequencing, and perception subscales, as well as on performance IQ and total IQ. The impacts of penal filtering and sample composition are hypothesized to explain differences between the two subgroups. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.     

重型颅脑损伤数字计算ERP特征及与智商的相关性

目的 根据ERP理论和韦氏智力量表内容建立数字计算ERP范式,探讨正常人与重型颅脑损伤患者数字计算ERP特征及与智商的相关性.方法 采用Neuroscan-ERP仪和韦氏智力量表对29名重型颅脑损伤患者(外伤组)和46名正常人(对照组)进行ERP及智商检测,比较引出的ERP成分特征及与智商的相关性.结果 数字计算范式的题目、正确、错误答案3类刺激引出的ERP波形包括外源性成分N1c、P2c及内源性成分N2c和P3c;对照组引出的N1c和P2c波幅和潜伏期相近,但N2c和P3c有明显差异,其中正确答案的P3c波幅最高,错误答案的P3c潜伏期最长;外伤组引出的各ERP成分波幅降低、潜伏期延长,N2c和P3c具有显著性差异(P＜0.05);对照组错误答案引出的P3c潜伏期与言语智商和总智商呈中度负相关,高于题目和正确答案;外伤组P3c潜伏期与言语智商、操作智商和总智商的相关系数分别为-0.64、-0.46和-0.60(P ＜0.05),明显高于对照组.结论 数字计算ERP范式可引出特征性ERP波形,其P3c潜伏期与智商有一定相关性,可作为评价重型颅脑损伤后数学能力损害程度的参考指标.     

Learning disabilities and delinquency: a study of Israeli prison inmates

Research consistently illustrates that several intellectual disabilities--namely, learning disabilities (LD), low intelligence, challenging behavior, and inadequate adaptive behavior, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--are considered risk factors for antisocial and criminal behavior. Although much attention has been paid to the relationship of LD, ADHD, and criminal behavior, three research topics have been overlooked: the frequency of LD with ADHD among inmates, the relationship between LD and/or ADHD and level of education among prisoners, and the connection between LD and/or ADHD and age of criminal onset. The present study examined the frequency of LD and ADHD in a sample of Israeli-born prisoners, in addition to the frequency of each category by itself, and it investigated the relationship of LD and/or ADHD, school dropout age, and onset of criminal activity.     

精神分裂症患者的智力状况和刑事责任能力的关系

目的探讨在进行法医精神病学鉴定中精神分裂症患者的智力状况及刑事责任能力的关系。方法采用韦氏成人智力量表中国版(WAIS-RC)对138例精神分裂症患者进行测试,并与其相应的刑事责任能力进行Pearson相关分析。结果精神分裂症患者的全量表智商为±s=74.59±14.716;言语智商为±s=80.89±14.077;操作智商为±s=70.27±15.427。经统计分析发现:言语智商和操作智商(F=26.786,P=0.000)有显著性差异;各项智力结果与刑事责任能力相关性均不存在统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论精神分裂症患者平均智力水平在正常范围之下,边缘状态与轻度损害之间,但在法医精神病学鉴定中,其刑事责任能力与智力状况不存在相关性。     

Examining the Role of Interrogative Suggestibility in Miranda Rights Comprehension in Adolescents

This study aimed to further clarify the association between interrogative suggestibility and Miranda rights comprehension in adolescents; in particular, we examined whether intellectual ability (IQ) serves as a mediator of this relationship. Participants completed Grisso’s Miranda Instruments, the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, and the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale. Many youth demonstrated poor comprehension of their rights, particularly younger and less intellectually capable adolescents. Both yield and shift components of interrogative suggestibility were inversely related to rights comprehension; however, IQ fully mediated these relationships. Neither demographic variables (gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status after controlling for IQ, and English as a second language (ESL) status) nor previous police experience were significantly associated with rights comprehension in the present sample. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

计算机动态姿势图识别伪装平衡功能障碍

目的 建立本实验室用动态姿势图识别非器质性或伪装平衡功能障碍的客观方法.方法 对104例正常受试者行动态姿势图检查后指导其伪装平衡功能障碍再进行动态姿势图检查,将伪装前后的平衡分进行配对t检验;应用以往研究提示伪装的7条标准对本实验的50例伪装前后的姿势图表现(包括原始曲线)进行判别,按照90％的敏感性选取并建立本实验...     

以精神发育迟滞女性为性侵害对象的强奸犯的智力水平与智力结构的对照研究

目的研究强奸精神发育迟滞女性的强奸犯与强奸正常女性的强奸犯在智力水平与结构方面的差异。方法前者33例，后者32例，采用WAIS—RC评估其智力水平与结构。结果两组在总体智商、言语智商、操作智商方面均有显著性差异。11项分测验中数字广度、木块、图片3项在两组间无显著性差异，其余8项均有显著差异。结论强奸精神发育迟滞女性的强奸犯与智力低下有关，他们在智力结构方面也存在着异常。     

The prevalence of intellectual disabilities among 12,000 prisoners - a systematic review

There are 9 million prisoners worldwide, but it is uncertain what proportion have intellectual disabilities. Such prisoners have been identified as a vulnerable group at risk of victimization and mental illness. Psychiatric surveys based on interviews of unselected prison populations were sought, involving diagnoses of intellectual disabilities. The search was performed by computer-assisted searches, scanning of relevant reference lists, hand-searching of journals, and correspondence with authors of relevant reports. Prevalence rates of intellectual disabilities by gender and other potentially relevant study characteristics were abstracted from publications, supplemented by information from authors of reports. Ten relevant surveys from four different countries were identified that included a total of 11,969 prisoners (mean age: 29 years; 92% male; 23% violent offenders). No formal calculation of a summary estimate of prevalence was undertaken due to substantial heterogeneity. The results suggest that typically 0.5-1.5% of prisoners were diagnosed with intellectual disabilities (range 0% to 2.8% across studies). We conclude that the number of prisoners with intellectual disabilities is considerable and discuss implications for policy and practice.     

The Relationship Between Psychopathic Personality Features and Malingering Symptoms of Major Mental Illness

This study examined the relationship between psychopathy and malingering in a subsample of male prison inmates (n = 55) participating in a larger study of the clinical utility of various assessment measures in correctional settings. Participants' capacity to feign major mental illness successfully was evaluated using standard cutoff scores for the detection of malingering on a variety of instruments, including the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS; G. P. Smith & G. O. Burger, 1997), the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS; R. Rogers, R. M. Bagby, & S. E. Dickens, 1992), and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; L. Morey, 1991). Psychopathic traits were assessed via the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI; S.O. Lilienfeld & B. P. Andrews, 1996). Correlations between the malingering indices and the PPI were low (–.14 to .14) and not statistically significant. These findings fail to support the clinical intuition that individuals with higher levels of psychopathy are likely to be more adept at malingering.     

Intellectual disability and mental illness in the NSW criminal justice system

There has been increasing international, national and local recognition of the need for more appropriate responses and services for individuals who come in contact with the criminal justice system and who have an intellectual disability and mental health issues. This article provides an overview of prevalence data that indicates a significant over representation of people with intellectual disabilities in correctional facilities and reviews the problems facing this population. Findings from two specific evaluation studies undertaken by the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies are presented, along with recommendations for future provision based on these results. One of these projects trialled a case management approach to supporting offenders with an intellectual disability upon their release from prison. The 20-month follow-up found that a number of serious barriers were encountered within the overall system of provision for this population; the most serious of which related to lack of adequate accommodation upon release. The second project involved a two-stage evaluation of one model of provision for individuals with intellectual disabilities who are sex offenders, only some of whom were on parole. This service provided both residential and therapy services in a small group home located in the community. Residents were found to have high levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties, in addition to offending behaviour, that continue to require support and supervision. Critical issues, including guardianship involvement, restrictive practices and retrieval, therapy provision, and risk management issues are discussed in relation to overall clinical and lifestyle outcomes.     

音乐特长儿童的智力结构特点及其与学业成绩的关系

作者对音乐特长儿童和普通儿童的智力测验结果进行了比较,分析了音乐特长儿童在智力和智力结构上的特点,并考察了这种特点与学业成绩之间的关系。结果发现,音乐特长儿童的总体智力位于中等智力水平。他们的智力结构表现为,词汇、常识方面的发展较为突出。他们学业成绩与普通学生相比,语文、英语成绩要明显在优于普通生,而数学成绩则与普通儿童之间没有显著差异。进一步分析表明,这种学业成绩的表现与其智力结构的特点是相一致的。     

The relationship between malingerers' intelligence and MMPI-2 knowledge and their ability to avoid detection

One of the most frequently administered psychometrics is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Occasionally, those participants taking the MMPI-2 will malinger or exaggerate their symptoms. Several malingering detection devices are available, and a significant body of literature exists concerning their efficacy. However, little research is available considering those factors that facilitate successfully evading detection as a malingerer. Some of these studies have identified general intelligence and knowledge of the MMPI-2 as key variables in the likelihood of escaping detection as a malingerer. The extant research considered the utility of general intelligence and knowledge of the MMPI-2 as predictors in avoiding detection as a malingerer. To detect malingering, the two traditional detection devices were employed: the F-Scale and the F - K Index. Results indicate that intelligence and MMPI-2 knowledge contribute significantly to the likelihood of successfully escaping detection as a malingerer.     

Neuropsychological and Psychological Aspects of Malingered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is frequently encountered in litigation, and as such, there is an increased risk for poor effort on cognitive tests, symptom exaggeration, or frank malingering. These are particularly problematic for accurate diagnosis. This article is divided into four sections. First, we address why individuals malinger PTSD as well as the challenges in detecting an invalid PTSD symptom presentation. Second, we discuss issues of cognitive functioning in PTSD and then the prevalence of and common patterns of poor effort on neuropsychological testing among individuals feigning PTSD. Third, we discuss psychological functioning in PTSD and then the prevalence and patterns of functioning on psychological measures of malingering in this population. Finally, recommendations for detecting invalid PTSD symptom presentations are provided.     

Rethinking the IQ-delinquency relationship: A longitudinal analysis of multiple theoretical models

Criminological research has consistently demonstrated a relationship between IQ and delinquency, yet scholars continue to debate the precise mechanisms by which IQ should have an effect on delinquent behavior. Although researchers typically view the IQ-delinquency relationship as a function of “school performance,” additional explanations exist that have yet to be formally tested in conjunction with one another within the same analysis. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) we extend existing research by assessing the indirect effect of IQ on delinquency through three intervening processes: school performance, deviant peer pressure, and self-control. The results indicate strong support for the school performance model (especially when linked with self-control), yet considerable evidence exists of an indirect effect of IQ on delinquency through both deviant peer pressure and self-control. The implications for future theoretical development and integration are discussed.