Personality, Criminal Behavior, and Risk Assessment

Abstract

The present study explores the relationship between personality and long-term recidivism. A longitudinal design is used that examines recidivism rates for a cohort of federal prison inmates during a period of 10 to 12 years. The study explores whether personality, as measured by the Jesness Inventory, is related to recidivism, defined as any new arrest and arrest for a specific charge including drugs, property offenses, or violence. The Jesness Inventory types are collapsed into four groups: neurotics, aggressives, dependents, and situationals. Findings from the survival analysis indicate that personality (e.g., neurotics and aggressives) is related to recidivism. The analysis pertaining to type of charge concludes that personality (e.g., neurotics) is significant in the models predicting drug offenses. The research explores whether corrections should extend personality research beyond its traditional focus (e.g., responsivity) to a greater consideration of personality as a risk factor.

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