Revisiting the overcontrolled–undercontrolled typology of violent offenders

Background  In 1966, Megargee separated individuals with violent behaviour into those who either overcontrolled or undercontrolled their hostility and suggested that this typology might be helpful when considering their treatment. Method  We compared the criminological and psychopathological features of those with a single violent offence (SV) and with those who were repeatedly violent (RV). Results  Fifty‐one violent personality disordered offenders detained in medium‐ or high‐ secure care were examined (19 in the SV group and 32 in the RV group). In comparison to the RV group, the SV group were less antisocial and psychopathic and showed greater anger and behavioural control. However, these differences appeared to be due to the undercontrolled nature of the RV group, rather than the overcontrolled nature of the SV group. Conclusion  There was little evidence to support an overcontrolled hostility pattern in the SV group in this sample. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.