Eysenck’s Criminal Personality WHAT ARE THE THEORIES OF PERSONALITY? Introduction This theory argues that criminals have a particular personality type. Criminals and non-criminals differ on certain aspects of personality. Eysenck argues that these differences in personality have a biological basis, but are also moderated by our environment. Therefore, this theory may be able to bridge the gap between biological and psychological explanations of criminality. What personality traits would you expect criminals to have? Why? How would these traits lead to criminal behaviour? Would you expect all criminals to have the same personality type, or would it differ between different types of criminal? What do you think could be the cause of these personality differences? Eysenck’s theory of personality Eysenck did not initially develop his personality theory for criminals. He intended on creating a universal test of personality that could be applied to all people. The test measures three aspects of personality. Extraversion: this is how outgoing and sociable you are. Extraverts enjoy the company of others, and gain pleasure from socialising. People who score low in extraversion are introverts. Neuroticism: this is about how emotional you are. High scores in neuroticism mean someone ay be a worrier, and prone to anxiety and depression. Low scores of neuroticism show that someone has emotional stability. Psychoticism: this is about the willingness to break rules and being non-conforming, being toughminded, inconsiderate, reckless, hostile and impulsive. People low in psychoticism show normality. The following table describes the traits that are associated with the three dimensions in Eysenck's model of personality: Psychoticism Extraversion Neuroticism Aggressive Sociable Anxious Assertive Irresponsible Depressed Egocentric Dominant Guilt Feelings Unsympathetic Lack of reflection Low self-esteem Manipulative Sensation-seeking Tense Achievement-oriented Impulsive Moody
Eysenck’s Criminal Personality WHAT ARE THE THEORIES OF PERSONALITY? Introduction This theory argues that criminals have a particular personality type. Criminals and non-criminals differ on certain aspects of personality. Eysenck argues that these differences in personality have a biological basis, but are also moderated by our environment. Therefore, this theory may be able to bridge the gap between biological and psychological explanations of criminality. What personality traits would you expect criminals to have? Why? How would these traits lead to criminal behaviour? Would you expect all criminals to have the same personality type, or would it differ between different types of criminal? What do you think could be the cause of these personality differences? Eysenck’s theory of personality Eysenck did not initially develop his personality theory for criminals. He intended on creating a universal test of personality that could be applied to all people. The test measures three aspects of personality. Extraversion: this is how outgoing and sociable you are. Extraverts enjoy the company of others, and gain pleasure from socialising. People who score low in extraversion are introverts. Neuroticism: this is about how emotional you are. High scores in neuroticism mean someone ay be a worrier, and prone to anxiety and depression. Low scores of neuroticism show that someone has emotional stability. Psychoticism: this is about the willingness to break rules and being non-conforming, being toughminded, inconsiderate, reckless, hostile and impulsive. People low in psychoticism show normality. The following table describes the traits that are associated with the three dimensions in Eysenck's model of personality: Psychoticism Extraversion Neuroticism Aggressive Sociable Anxious Assertive Irresponsible Depressed Egocentric Dominant Guilt Feelings Unsympathetic Lack of reflection Low self-esteem Manipulative Sensation-seeking Tense Achievement-oriented Impulsive Moody
explanations_of_criminal_behaviour_booklet.docx