Causes of Criminality - Personality

It has been suggested that certain personality types are more likely to engage in crime and anti-social behaviour, despite personality being a concept that is difficult to pin down and measure.

Eysenck

Eysenck's theory combines biological and social factors. He argued that personality is determined by biological factors, but that these genetic/bio factors exert their effects under the influence of environmental/social factors. Certain traits are more likely to lend themselves to antisocial behaviour, and certain personality types are less susceptible to conditioning.

Eysenck's Scales

Typical extrovert - Sociable and crave excitement and change, can become bored easily. They tend to be carefree, optimistic and impulsive.

Typical introvert - Reserved, they plan their actions and control their emotions. They tend to be serious, reliable and pessimistic.

High…