Envy-related dynamics in criminal conduct: a case-control study between male inmate and general population and further insights on murderers.

Despite envy having been suggested as a potential trigger of criminal conduct, no research evidence exists in this regard. The present study has a two-fold aim: 1. To examine differences on envy-related dynamics between male perpetrators and non-perpetrators. 2. To test differences on envy, personality characteristics and psychopathy between murderers and non-murderers among perpetrators. The sample included 40 male inmates who had committed violence in intimate relationships - respectively homicide (19), sexual assault (10) and physical violence (10) - and a comparison group of 40 men balanced by age from the general population. The Projective Envy Technique (PET) was used for both the groups, whereas the Rorschach Test and the Psychopathy Checklist - Revised were also administered to perpetrators. Independent samples t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were performed. Statistically significant results were found only on PET indexes. With regard to group comparison, perpetrators take more time to complete the PET (M=718.78, SD=376.95) than their counterpart (M=516.03, SD=218.67), t(55,21)=2.82, p=.005. As well, they show lower frustration scores (M=3.25, SD=2.62) than non-perpetrators (M=4.73, SD=3.75), t(78) =-2.04, p=.045. In respect of the differences between murderers and non-murderers, the former report higher aggressiveness scores (Mdn=1) than the latter (Mdn=0), U=119.000, p=.029., r=.37. The greater time in taking the test by perpetrators suggests a potential inhibition tendency in coping with envy-evoking stimuli; as well the lower frustration reveals the difficulty to express sadness and disappointment when failing to achieve one’s desires. It could be hypothesized that perpetrators tend to suppress envious feelings through easing the painful and self-threatening experiences. Compared to other perpetrators, murderers show additional strategies based on destructive responses towards others, which seem to indicate the acting-out of the suppressed frustration.