Psychopathological profiles of inmates convicted for femicide, other familial homicides, or attempted homicides

J Forensic Sci. 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.70310. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Femicides and family-related homicides represent a significant concern, with over 50% of homicides occurring within the family setting. This study aimed to explore the complex factors, including psychological aspects, behind such crimes, focusing on a sample of inmates incarcerated for homicide, attempted homicide, or femicide. The study analyzed data from 11 inmates (8 males, 3 females) incarcerated for homicide or attempted homicide. Demographic, clinical, and criminological data were collected, and psychological functioning was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). The sample had an average age of 48 years and generally low educational attainment. Significant mental health issues were identified, with 45.5% of participants reporting a history of substance dependence and suicide attempts. Psychological assessments revealed a predominance of anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly within the domain of negative affectivity. Findings suggest a link between emotional and relational dysfunction and violent behavior, indicating the need for targeted psychological interventions. However, given the small sample size, these results should be interpreted with caution and considered preliminary. Future research should employ more advanced statistical methods and include victims’ perspectives to better identify risk factors and improve prevention strategies.

PMID:41803608 | DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.70310