Interpersonal aspects of dangerousness

Abstract

An interpersonal theory of dangerousness asserts that dangerousness is a function of perceptions and attributions within an interpersonal context, rather than a stable personality trait. Using the guards and 78 inmates of a penal complex, the interpersonal theory of dangerousness was tested from a racial perspective. Chi-squares indicated that while black inmates do not see themselves as more aggressive than white inmates, guards rate blacks as more aggressive (p < 001), thus appearing to back up the guards' perceptions. A Pearson r, however, indicated that those infractions which leave the most personal discretion up to the guards (i.e., are the most subjective) are the ones for which blacks are disproportionately represented (p < 01), thus supporting an interpersonal theory of dangerousness. © 1979, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.