PERSONALITY DISORDER ELEMENTS THAT POSE A HIGH RISK OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Studies show that a personality disorder is a risk factor in criminal behavior. However, the literature lacks clarity in isolating individual elements of personality disorders that pose a high risk of criminality. This literature review addresses that gap, answering, “What elements of personality disorders pose a high risk of criminal behavior?” It includes a review of relevant studies regarding the role of personality disorders in criminal behavior and identifies individual elements that present high-risk factors of criminality, including (1) impulsivity; (2) aggression; (3) emotional dysregulation; (4) egocentricity; (5) lack of empathy, affective responsiveness, and cognitive responsiveness; and (6) dishonesty and interpersonal manipulation. Identification of these specific risk factors ensures targeted interventions. The implications of this research are that successful treatments serve as a protective factor against recidivism and repeat institutionalization (i.e., juvenile detention, prison, and psychiatric).