Do Triarchic Psychopathy Components of New Zealand High-Risk Parolees Predict Probation Officer Relationship Quality, Quality of Life on Parole, and Recidivism?

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2022 Nov;66(15):1682-1702. doi: 10.1177/0306624X211049179. Epub 2021 Oct 18.

Abstract

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) is a self-report scale based on the Triarchic Model that has been little used in research in the criminal justice system. We sought to examine associations between pre-release TriPM components, probation officer relationships, and parolee quality of life, both measured after 2 months in the community, and reconviction 12 months after release. Using data from 234 New Zealand male high-risk prisoners, we tested four multivariate models each across three timepoints. Pre-release, we found Boldness was not predictive, but Meanness predicted poorer relationship quality after 2 months, both from probation officer and parolee perspectives, with the former in turn predicting reconviction within 12 months. Disinhibition predicted 12-month recidivism regardless of relationship quality or external life circumstances. This relationship to recidivism was partially explained in the final model which linked Disinhibition and poorer subjective wellbeing, with the latter in turn predicting recidivism.

Keywords: TriPM; high-intensity treatment; high-risk violent prisoner; parole; probation officer relationships; psychopathy; quality of life; recidivism prediction; reintegration; triarchic psychopathy model.

MeSH terms

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • Criminals*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New Zealand
  • Quality of Life
  • Recidivism*