Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of
primary (PCs) and secondary capacities (SCs) in individuals diagnosed
with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and the effects of these
capacities on delinquent behaviors and anger levels.
Methods: 101 male patients aged 18 years and over with a diagnosis
of ASPD were divided into two groups as those with a criminal
ASPD (cASPD) diagnosis (n=37) and those with a non-criminal
ASPD (ncASPD) diagnosis (n=64). Participants were evaluated
using a sociodemographic form, Wiesbaden’s Inventory of Positive
Psychotherapy and Family Therapy (WIPPF-2) and State-Trait Anger
Expression Inventory (STAXI). Statistical analyses were performed
using the SPSS 22.0 program; significance level was taken as p<0.05.
Results: PCs, SCs and anger control levels of people with ASPD were
lower while trait anger, anger expression and anger import were higher
than the control group. In cASPD, among the PCs, belief (β=0.796,
p=0.032), hope (β=-1.069, p=0.011), relationship (β=-0.980, p=0.007)
and sexuality (β=0.937, p=0.021) predicted anger-out, and among the
SAs politeness (β=-1.020, p=0.002) and reliability (β=1.140, p=0.001)
predicted trait anger level. In ncASPD, patience predicted anger-out
(β=-1.752, p=0.001) and anger control (β=1.468, p=0.002); belief
(β=1.468, p=0.005) and trust (β=-0.845, p=0.002) predicted anger
control.
Conclusions: Positive psychotherapy can be effective in improving
PCs and SCs of individuals with ASPD, improving interpersonal
relationships, reducing criminal behaviors, anger management and
psychotherapeutic treatment of ASPD.
Keywords: Antisocial personality disorder, primary capacities,
secondary capacities, anger, positive psychotherapy