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Abstract
The murder of family members is one of the most difficult crimes to understand. This
study uses Shye’s action systems framework combined with multivariate data analysis
to test the hypothesis that different forms of familicide will reflect the four states
an action system can take, namely: Integrative, Expressive, Conservative and Adaptive.
A multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) was performed on 54 crime scene variables
describing 104 cases of intra-familial homicide. The analysis revealed four distinct
modes of functioning, which provided tentative support for Shye’s action system. Each
of the four modes had distinct associations with perpetrator characteristics. The
Expressive and Integrative modes were associated with Cluster B personality traits,
and criminal and substance use histories. The Adaptive mode was associated with trauma
histories, mood disorders, and personality disorder traits. The Conservative theme
was associated with trauma histories and psychotic disorders. Implications of findings
for risk assessment and intervention are discussed.