Mindfulness moderates the relationship between aggression and Antisocial Personality Disorder traits: Preliminary investigation with an offender sample
Velotti,P. Garofalo,C. D’Aguanno,M. Petrocchi ,C. Popolo,R. Salvatore ,G. Dimaggio,G.
Velotti,P.
Garofalo,C.
D’Aguanno,M.
Petrocchi ,C.
Popolo,R.
Salvatore ,G.
Dimaggio,G.
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.
Description
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Citation
Velotti, P, Garofalo, C, D’Aguanno, M, Petrocchi , C, Popolo, R, Salvatore , G & Dimaggio, G 2016, 'Mindfulness moderates the relationship between aggression and Antisocial Personality Disorder traits : Preliminary investigation with an offender sample', Comprehensive Psychiatry, vol. 64, pp. 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.08.004