Personality Traits as Predictor of Crime

Researches and practitioners have long tried to identify potential predictors of crime. In this study, psychoticism, extraversion, neuroticism, trait criminality and addiction are investigated as predictors of crime. Using a sample of 492 adults (half in penitentiary, half not), with a mean age of 34 years, this study found that trait criminality and addiction are linked to a higher probability of having committed a crime. However, no effect is found for psychoticism, extraversion, neuroticism and having committed a crime. Future research is needed to replicate these findings and assess the link between personality and specific types of crimes.