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9
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Jasmine
20/09/2025
Psychology
Eyesnck's criminal personality- forensic psychology
423
•
20 Sept 2025
•
Jasmine
@jasmine_vaughanxx
Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory: A Comprehensive Overview
Eysenck's Criminal Personality... Show more
Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory emphasizes the role of socialization in criminal behavior. Socialization is the process of learning to delay gratification and adhere to social standards. According to the theory, offenders are often developmentally immature, exhibiting selfish behavior and a desire for immediate gratification.
Definition: Socialization in this context refers to the process by which individuals learn to conform to society's norms and expectations.
A key aspect of the theory is that individuals with high scores on the Extraversion (E) and Neuroticism (N) dimensions are less likely to be affected by socialization efforts. This reduced susceptibility to socialization is thought to contribute to their increased likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.
To measure these personality traits, Eysenck developed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). This tool places respondents on the E, N, and P dimensions, providing a quantitative measure of an individual's personality profile.
Highlight: The ability to measure personality traits through the EPQ is crucial for supporting and testing Eysenck's theory.
Research support for the theory includes a study by Eysenck and Eysenck (1977), which compared EPQ scores of 2,070 male prisoners to 2,422 male controls. The results showed that prisoners had higher scores on extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism, aligning with the theory's predictions.
Example: An online version of the EPQ is available at https://similarminds.com/eysenck.html, allowing individuals to assess their own personality traits in relation to Eysenck's dimensions.
However, it's important to note that not all research supports Eysenck's theory. A meta-analysis by Farrington et al. (1982) found that while criminals scored higher on psychoticism, they did not consistently score higher on extraversion and neuroticism.
While Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory has been influential in criminology, it faces several criticisms, particularly regarding its cultural applicability and overall simplicity.
One significant limitation is the theory's inability to account for cultural factors. This was highlighted in a study by Bartol and Holanchock , which examined Hispanic and African-American offenders. The study divided participants into six groups based on their crimes and compared them to a non-offender control group.
Example: Contrary to Eysenck's predictions, all six offender groups in the Bartol and Holanchock study were found to be less extraverted than the non-offender control group.
This finding suggests that the criminal personality theory may not be universally applicable across different cultures, limiting its generalizability.
Another criticism is that the theory is too simplistic. Offending behavior is unlikely to be the result of personality alone, as personality is a complex construct influenced by various factors.
Highlight: The complexity of personality makes it challenging to reduce it to a simple score, as personality can change depending on mood and situation.
Critics argue that if personality is not static, then using the EPQ to identify potential criminals becomes problematic, undermining the fundamental claims of the theory.
Quote: "Personality is too complex to quantify - it changes depending on mood and situation."
These limitations and criticisms highlight the need for a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to understanding the relationship between personality and criminal behavior. While Eysenck's theory provides valuable insights, it should be considered alongside other theories and factors in criminology.
Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory, proposed in 1947, is a foundational concept in criminology that attempts to explain criminal behavior through personality traits. This theory is based on the idea that certain personality characteristics predispose individuals to criminal activities.
The theory revolves around three key personality dimensions:
Eysenck posited that these traits have a biological basis, stemming from the type of nervous system an individual inherits. This biological foundation is crucial to understanding why some people are more prone to criminal behavior than others.
Definition: Eysenck's personality theory suggests that criminal behavior is influenced by inherited personality traits that are measurable along specific dimensions.
According to Eysenck, individuals with different personality types exhibit distinct characteristics:
Highlight: The biological basis of Eysenck's theory sets it apart from purely social or environmental explanations of criminal behavior.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Jasmine
@jasmine_vaughanxx
Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory: A Comprehensive Overview
Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theoryproposes that criminal behavior is linked to specific personality traits rooted in biological factors. The theory suggests that individuals with high scores in extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism are more... Show more
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Join milions of students
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Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory emphasizes the role of socialization in criminal behavior. Socialization is the process of learning to delay gratification and adhere to social standards. According to the theory, offenders are often developmentally immature, exhibiting selfish behavior and a desire for immediate gratification.
Definition: Socialization in this context refers to the process by which individuals learn to conform to society's norms and expectations.
A key aspect of the theory is that individuals with high scores on the Extraversion (E) and Neuroticism (N) dimensions are less likely to be affected by socialization efforts. This reduced susceptibility to socialization is thought to contribute to their increased likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.
To measure these personality traits, Eysenck developed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). This tool places respondents on the E, N, and P dimensions, providing a quantitative measure of an individual's personality profile.
Highlight: The ability to measure personality traits through the EPQ is crucial for supporting and testing Eysenck's theory.
Research support for the theory includes a study by Eysenck and Eysenck (1977), which compared EPQ scores of 2,070 male prisoners to 2,422 male controls. The results showed that prisoners had higher scores on extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism, aligning with the theory's predictions.
Example: An online version of the EPQ is available at https://similarminds.com/eysenck.html, allowing individuals to assess their own personality traits in relation to Eysenck's dimensions.
However, it's important to note that not all research supports Eysenck's theory. A meta-analysis by Farrington et al. (1982) found that while criminals scored higher on psychoticism, they did not consistently score higher on extraversion and neuroticism.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
While Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory has been influential in criminology, it faces several criticisms, particularly regarding its cultural applicability and overall simplicity.
One significant limitation is the theory's inability to account for cultural factors. This was highlighted in a study by Bartol and Holanchock , which examined Hispanic and African-American offenders. The study divided participants into six groups based on their crimes and compared them to a non-offender control group.
Example: Contrary to Eysenck's predictions, all six offender groups in the Bartol and Holanchock study were found to be less extraverted than the non-offender control group.
This finding suggests that the criminal personality theory may not be universally applicable across different cultures, limiting its generalizability.
Another criticism is that the theory is too simplistic. Offending behavior is unlikely to be the result of personality alone, as personality is a complex construct influenced by various factors.
Highlight: The complexity of personality makes it challenging to reduce it to a simple score, as personality can change depending on mood and situation.
Critics argue that if personality is not static, then using the EPQ to identify potential criminals becomes problematic, undermining the fundamental claims of the theory.
Quote: "Personality is too complex to quantify - it changes depending on mood and situation."
These limitations and criticisms highlight the need for a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to understanding the relationship between personality and criminal behavior. While Eysenck's theory provides valuable insights, it should be considered alongside other theories and factors in criminology.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Eysenck's Criminal Personality Theory, proposed in 1947, is a foundational concept in criminology that attempts to explain criminal behavior through personality traits. This theory is based on the idea that certain personality characteristics predispose individuals to criminal activities.
The theory revolves around three key personality dimensions:
Eysenck posited that these traits have a biological basis, stemming from the type of nervous system an individual inherits. This biological foundation is crucial to understanding why some people are more prone to criminal behavior than others.
Definition: Eysenck's personality theory suggests that criminal behavior is influenced by inherited personality traits that are measurable along specific dimensions.
According to Eysenck, individuals with different personality types exhibit distinct characteristics:
Highlight: The biological basis of Eysenck's theory sets it apart from purely social or environmental explanations of criminal behavior.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
