Psychological Profiling of Prisoners

Abstract

Introduction: The relation between criminal behavior and different dimensions of personality features were studied extensively and available literature on offenders has described different personality traits observed in them. However very few literature is available on Indian population. Aim: To find the prominent personality traits, attribution styles used and level of sensation seeking among prisoners. Method: the study design used was cross-sectional design. 30 offenders from Sabarmati Central Jail were selected using purposive sampling. Tools: To assess attribution style, personality traits and sensation seeking behavior, following tool were used. Attribution Style Questionnaire, Eysenck‘s Personality Questionnaire, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale Result:43% prisoners scored high on neuroticism trait. 55% prisoners showed extraversion and 60 % females showed neuroticism as a predominant personality trait. 66.67 % prisoners had internal locus of control. 76.67 % prisoners had low level of sensation seeking. Implication: this study will throw light upon the criminal behavior and personality of prisoners which will be beneficial for future therapy work.