Association(s) between five-factor model and dark triad traits and offending behaviour in adults: A systematic review

Abstract

In order to inform effective treatment interventions and subsequently contribute to decreases in recidivism rates, a better understanding of the key antecedents of offending behaviour is needed. Person-centred approaches that account for individual differences in offending behaviour, including personality traits, hold promise for such tailored treatment interventions. This systematic review therefore critically appraises the extant literature regarding the relationships between Five-Factor Model and Dark Triad personality traits and adult offending behaviour. Following PRISMA screening, 58 papers (two dissertations; 56 journal articles) were identified for inclusion. With the exception of psychopathy, the extent and direction of associations between personality traits and offending behaviour varied considerably. Studies were characterised by a broad range of methodologies, sample types and sizes, geographical locations, traits measured, and operationalisations of offending behaviour; these inconsistencies may have contributed to the discrepant findings. Recommendations are made for future studies, including the use of control variables; effect sizes; objective records of offending behaviour; and personality trait profiles, encompassing adaptive and maladaptive traits. The review concludes with a call for a more methodologically robust research agenda to further our understanding of the relationships between personality traits and offending behaviour towards the development of effective person-centred interventions.