Hostile attributions in incarcerated adult male offenders: An exploration of diverse pathways

Abstract

Hostile attributions were examined in 150 incarcerated males to test the possibility that there are two pathways associated with hostile attributions: one related to psychopathy as assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised [PCL-R; Hare, 1991] and one related to depressogenic attributional style, as assessed using the Inferential Styles Questionnaire [ISQ; Rose et al., 1994]. Ten hypothetical vignettes were used to assess attributions of intent. Both PCL-R and ISQ scores were significant predictors of hostile attributions. Further, the two processes appeared to relate differentially to the race of the participants, such that an ISQ-hostile attribution association was stronger among African American participants than among Caucasian participants. Contrary to prediction, hostile attributions did not mediate associations between personality and violent crime. Aggr. Behav. 000–000, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.