The prediction of recidivism from the Eysenck personality questionnaire

Abstract

The ability to predict recidivism is valuable as it would enable the optimal allocation of rehabilitative resources. Existing predictive measures and the problems in defining recidivism were discussed. This study compared three groups of criminals and a control group of army recruits on the E.P.Q., as previous research indicated that the personality dimensions measured by the E.P.Q., particularly the C scale, were associated with criminal behaviour. It was found that the criminals had higher scores than the controls, as predicted, on the C, P and N scales, but only the C scale provided any differentiation between the criminal groups. While there were no differences on the L scale, the E scale did provide significant differences between some of the groups, possible reasons for which were discussed. It was concluded that the C scale demonstrated an ability to measure recidivism. This indicates that the prospective study outlined is warranted.