Alexithymia, Asperger's syndrome and criminal behaviour: a review
| Pages | 155-162 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-11-2013-0030 |
| Published date | 09 September 2014 |
| Date | 09 September 2014 |
| Author | Katy-Louise Payne,Clive Hollin |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Criminal psychology |
Alexithymia, Asperger’s syndrome and
criminal behaviour: a review
Katy-Louise Payne and Clive Hollin
Katy-Louise Payne is a Student
and Clive Hollin is a Professor,
both are based at Department
of Psychology, University of
Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the empirical literature informing the nature of the
relationship between criminal behaviour and both Alexithymia and Asperger’s syndrome (AS).
Design/methodology/approach – The relevant literature was identified through database searches and
via citations in primary sources.
Findings – Alexithymia and AS are relatively similar constructs with some overlap in their defining
characteristics including utilitarian thinking and deficiencies in empathy. Alexithymia is significantly
more prevalent in offender populations than controls and, in particular, has a complex relationship with
psychopathy. The research concerning AS has mainly focused on offense type and reasons for offending.
In terms of offences, homicide rates were in keeping with general base rates, however,sexual offences were
under-represented and arson was over-represented.
Practical implications – In terms of reasons for offending, criminal behaviour is best described as
a consequence of the classical characteristics of AS. It is suggested that despite their similarities the
relationshipof the two disorderswith criminal behaviour maywell be different. This suggestionhas implications
for the design of services intended to reduce the risk of offendingin these two groups.
Originality/value – The review draws together a diverse range of literature around a rather neglected
topic in criminological psychology. It will be of value to researchers in suggesting where new
knowledge is needed, particularly with regard to disentangling the risk factors for offending for the
two conditions, and to practitioners within the criminal justice system in pointing towards areas for
intervention to reduce risk.
Keywords Alexithymia, Asperger’s syndrome, Criminal behaviour
Paper type Literature review
Alexithymia presents as a spectrum condition imposing varying degrees of incapacity thereby
suggesting multiple aetiological routes (Bellgrove and Fitzgerald, 2006). The defining features of
alexithymia are difficulties in identifying and distinguishing bodily sensations of emotional
arousal, trouble describing feelings, impaired imagination, and a thinking style which is bound to
the external world (Taylor et al., 1997). Alexithymia is classified as a psychosomatic disorder
rather than a mental disorder, although it is associated with an increased vulnerability to mental
illness (Leweke et al., 2012).
There are a range of assessments for the disorder including the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)
(Taylor et al., 1985), the Bermond Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (Vorst and Bermond, 2001),
and the Observer Alexithymia Scale (Haviland et al., 2000). It appears that very little assessment
of alexithymia occurs in forensic practise but it is clear that the way in which an individual
perceives, thinks and reasons about their social world may be related to their offending (Gannon
et al., 2005). Krystal (1979) suggested that individuals with alexithymia may display extreme
bursts of emotional behaviour without awareness of the feelings they are expressing. This lack
of awareness may in turn contribute to an inability to feel empathy which at times culminates in
acts of violence (Kroner and Forth, 1995). However, the prevalence of alexithymia in offender
DOI 10.1108/JCP-11-2013-0030 VOL. 4 NO. 2 2014, pp. 155-162, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2009-3829
j
JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY
j
PAGE 155
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