The validity and utility of a typology of homicides based on Megargee's theory of control

Controlled (N = 10) and undercontrolled homicides (N = 30) produced by a cluster analysis of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles were contrasted on five sets of variables: intellectual, background, Prison Officer's ratings, indices of institutional discontent and attitudes toward prison. No significant differences were found between the groups on the intellectual and attitudinal variables. However, as predicted, the controlled homicides in contrast to the undercontrolled homicides come from stable backgrounds with no history of previous psychiatric treatment or assaultive behaviour. In prison they reported sick less frequently, committed fewer offences against discipline and made fewer requests concerning the conditions of their containment to prison governors that the undercontrolled group. Prison Officers rated the controlled subjects as more self sufficient and having fewer training needs than the undercontrolled individuals. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of differential treatment and the allocation of resources to two types of prison regime.