P019 - Criminal Profile of Portuguese Homicide Perpetrators: Pathways to crime

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Homicide is one of the most heinous crimes, profoundly impacting both the victims and society as a whole. Understanding this phenomenon requires considering the heterogeneity of perpetrators, who are influenced by their individual characteristics and adverse life circumstances. In this study we characterized Portuguese homicide cases by examining the perpetrators’ life trajectories, motivations for committing crimes, and the methods employed, with the objective of delineating a comprehensive criminal profile. The sample consisted of 51 individuals convicted of homicide in Portugal, ranging in age from 21 to 83 years (M=49.73, SD=14.07). The results revealed that the perpetrators begin their criminal career in adulthood, with interpersonal conflicts being the main reason for the crime committed. Exposure to adverse experiences in childhood and low levels of education appear as preponderant factors in the life history of perpetrators, unlike mental illness, which is recorded in fewer numbers cases. Using multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis, four distinct profiles emerged: "greedy," "passionate," "psychopath," and "instrumental". Analyzing risk factors and criminal profiles for homicide perpetrators plays a fundamental role in informing prevention and intervention policies in this context.

Authors

• Olga Cunha, Lusófona University of Porto, Portugal

• Sõnia Maria Martins Caridade, Escola de Psicologia da Universidade do Minho

• Joana Veloso Oliveira, Psychology Research Center