Violent and Homicidal Behavior in Primitive Mental States

I would like to propose and develop a psychodynamic construct for the theoretical and clinical understanding of violent and homicidal behavior in borderline, psychotic, or psychopathic individuals. The construct contains three variables: first, the nature of the individual's object relations inferred by the pattern, or instance, of target selection; second, the capacity of the individual to test reality which, in turn, influences both his motivation and his perceptual-conceptual experience (Meloy, 1985); and third, his mode of aggression.

I conceptualize these three variables as forming a psychobio-logically linked, yet psychoanalytically constructed, matrix. They are empirically derived from my clinical experience, but are difficult to quantify in a manner that would allow for statistical inference. They complement, rather than subserve, demographic and situational correlates of violence. These variables are most reliably assessed when a history of threats or acts of violent behavior is available. Careful analysis of these variables in forensic treatment settings should be based upon clinical interviews, a reliable and corroborated history, and psychological testing.

However, I do want to acknowledge that a multitude of situational and individual variables determine homicidal and violent behavior. Demographic and situational correlates such as base rate,