Citation

Velotti P, Garofalo C, D'Aguanno M, Petrocchi C, Popolo R, Salvatore G, Dimaggio G. Compr. Psychiatry 2015; 64: 38-45.

Affiliation

University of Genoa, Department of Educational Sciences, Corso Andrea Podestà, 2, 16126, Genoa, Italy; Center for Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy, Piazza dei Martiri di Belfiore, 4, 00195, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: gdimaje@libero.it.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.08.004

PMID

26350275

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Poor mentalizing has been described as a characteristic of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), along with the well-established role of aggressiveness. In the current study, we tested this hypothesis focusing on a specific aspect of mentalization (i.e., mindfulness).

METHOD: We explored the unique and joint contribution of aggression dimensions and mindfulness facets to ASPD traits in an offender sample (N=83).

RESULTS: Mindfulness deficits were associated with ASPD traits, and a significant unique association emerged between difficulties in acting with awareness and ASPD traits. Likewise, physical aggression confirmed its association with ASPD traits. Moderation analyses revealed that mindfulness interacted with aggression in predicting ASPD. Specifically, at low levels of mindfulness, the association between aggression and ASPD dropped to nonsignificance.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that fostering self-mentalizing is a relevant treatment target when treating offenders with ASPD.

Language: en