Study reveals how both bright and dark personality traits predict criminality

A new study has found that a combination of “bright” and “dark” personality traits may help predict criminal behavior, including both first -time offenses and recidivism.

Researchers found that higher levels of emotional instability (neuroticism), risk-taking (openness), and harmful tendencies (sadism, deceitfulness) were associated with a higher likelihood of criminal activity.

The study included 578 participants, split into two groups: a general community sample of 282 individuals and a group of 296 inmates from two maximum-security prisons.

Researchers found a complex interplay of bright and dark personality traits contributes to criminal behavior.

Deceitfulness emerged as a significant predictor of both first -time offenses and recidivism.

Dark personality traits, such as deceitfulness and sadism, while associated with criminality, should not be viewed as direct or definitive causes of criminal behavior..

The study, “Dark and bright personality dimensions as predictors of criminal behavior and recidivism,” was authored by Liliana Hurezan , Andreea Turi , Andrei Ion , and Laura Visu-Petra .

The study aims to gain a deeper understanding of how these traits evolve from childhood to adulthood.