NCJ Number
101957
Journal
International Journal of Law and Psychiatry Volume: 7 Dated: (1984) Pages: 301-313
Date Published
1984
Length
13 pages
Annotation
To examine possible correlates of criminality in a volunteer student population at Leyden University (Netherlands), 82 male and female subjects answered a variety of questions relating to criminal involvement, deviant behavior in childhood, family home environment, and medical problems.
Abstract
Personality traits were assessed by six paper-and-pencil measures, and electrodermal responsiveness and heart rate during aversive stimulation were examined. Analysis of data indicates that, compared to nonoffenders, student offenders exhibited more deviant childhood behaviors at home and at school, reported negative relations with parents (particularly the father), and reported frequent physical disciplining. Personality traits found to discriminate offenders from nonoffenders included higher impulsivity, lower anxiety, greater hostility and negativism, and external locus of control. Factor analyses reveal that subjects who admitted to committing evasion crimes (e.g., customs and tax evasion) were psychophysiologically hyporesponsive relative to other subjects. Students with a significant record of violent crime reported more medical problems and a positive family environment, as well as higher scores on impulsivity, extraversion and psychopathic deviance, and lower anxiety and responsibility. 33 references.