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Psychological profiling of prisoners: assessing personality traits and locus

of control in a correctional facility, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Article in IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences · April 2025
DOI: 10.18231/j.ijfmts.2025.005

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Original Research Article

Psychological profiling of prisoners: assessing personality traits and locus of control

in a correctional facility, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Rashmi Soneji1, Bhawna Sharma1* , Atul Kumar Dubey1
Dept. of Forensic Science, University of Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Abstract
The study investigates the psychological profiles of prisoners in a correctional centre in Shimla using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and Rotter’s
Locus of Control Scale. By employing these standardized psychological assessment tools, we aim to explore personality traits and locus of control among
inmates. The EPQ helps in identifying dimensions such as extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and lie scale, providing insights into their behavioural
tendencies. Simultaneously, Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale differentiates between internal and external locus of control, shedding light on how prisoners
perceive their control over life events. The research findings are expected to contribute to tailored rehabilitation programs, enhancing the psychological well-
being and reintegration prospects of inmates. The study underscores the importance of psychological profiling in developing effective correctional
interventions.

Keywords: Psychological profiling, Prisoners, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, Personality traits, Inmate well-
being.

Received: 08-01-2025; Accepted: 29-03-2025; Available Online: 03-04-2025

This is an Open Access (OA) journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License,
which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under
the identical terms.

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at high risk from transitioning into offenders can lead to

1. Introduction
considerable societal savings. To achieve this, it's crucial to
Forensic psychology is the intersection of psychology and the identify risk factors for criminal behavior, which can then be
legal system, where professionals apply psychological used to track high-risk individuals and customize prevention
theories and methods to understand various aspects of law programs accordingly. Understanding these risk factors not
and legal issues. Within this field, practitioners contribute only broadens the scope of treatment options but also
expertise in areas such as criminal behavior analysis, mental enhances their effectiveness.19
health evaluations, the reliability of witness testimony, and
strategies for offender rehabilitation. 2. Eysenck’s Personality Scale
Crime and violence manifest in various forms across all Hans J. Eysenck, the renowned British psychologist, is best
societies, including scenarios where young men are lost to remembered for his theory linking personality traits and
violence before reaching adulthood, families are affected by criminal behavior. According to his theory, criminal conduct
parental incarceration or loss, communities are plagued by arises from the interplay between specific environmental
poverty and lack of support, neighborhoods are engulfed in factors and characteristics of an individual's nervous system.
gang conflicts, women face domestic violence or sexual Proponents of his theory argue that each offender possesses a
assault risks, and marginalized groups endure victimization distinctive neurophysiological composition, which, when
in isolated areas or informal settlements.1-9 These incidents exposed to particular environmental conditions, predisposes
incur significant costs for society. Research indicates that a them to engage in criminal behaviour.3 Eysenck's theory of
small proportion, around 5%, of the population is responsible criminality posits that a combination of environmental,
for a substantial portion of total crime. Preventing individuals neurobiological, and personality factors influences the
*Corresponding author: Bhawna Sharma
Email: [email protected]

DOI: https://10.18231/j.ijfmts.2025.005
© 2025 The Author(s), Published by Innovative Publications.
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21 Soneji et al / IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences 2025;10(1):20–24

likelihood of engaging in antisocial behavior. It suggests that prominent personality traits and locus of control among
certain neurobiological traits, when combined with prisoners.10-16 You can add the following statement to your
environmental influences such as upbringing, increase the manuscript:
propensity for specific antisocial actions. Personality traits
like extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism play a 4. Materials and Methods
significant role in this theory, affecting how individuals 4.1. Aim
respond to socialization and punishment. For instance,
individuals with high levels of extraversion and neuroticism It intends to understand the psychological characteristics of
may be less affected by punishment and more prone to inmates at the Shimla District Correctional Centre. It aims to
engaging in antisocial behavior. Studies have found create psychological profiles by assessing personality traits
correlations between Eysenck's personality traits and using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (likely
measuring dimensions such as Extraversion/Introversion and
criminal convictions, with offenders often scoring higher in
Neuroticism/Stability) Determining their locus of control
psychoticism and neuroticism. Overall, Eysenck's theory
(internal or external) with Rotter's Locus of Control Scale. By
highlights the complex interplay between personality, combining these two measures, the research seeks to develop
biology, and environment in shaping criminal behaviour.19 a more nuanced understanding of the psychological profile of
the incarcerated individuals within this specific correctional
3. Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale facility. Based on existing literature, it is hypothesized that
In personality psychology, locus of control refers to the incarcerated individuals will exhibit higher levels of
extent to which individuals believe they can control events Neuroticism and Psychoticism, along with a greater tendency
toward an external locus of control compared to the general
affecting them. Understanding of the concept was developed
population.
by Julian B. Rotter in 1954. A person's "locus" (Latin for
"place" or "location") is conceptualized as either internal (the
4.2. Study design
person believes they can control their life) or external
(meaning they believe their decisions and life are controlled This study employs a cross-sectional research design that
by environmental factors which they cannot influence, or by integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The
chance or fate). There is little guidance in the literature Data was collected from the Model Central Kanda Jail,
concerning the relationship between criminality and locus of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. A sample of 20 prisoners
control. However, research shows that Offenders who had were selected through purposive sampling, comprising 10
male and 10 female prisoners. This method was chosen due
been physically abused as children were more externally
to practical constraints within the correctional facility and the
controlled. External locus of control was also found to be
need to focus on individuals who were available and willing
related to higher risk of reconviction for future sexual to participate. Inclusion criteria required that participants be
offending and less adjustment among inmates. It was also current inmates of Kanda Central Jail, who could provide
found that active offenders and desisting ex-offenders differ relevant psychological insights based on their incarceration
in terms of explanatory style; i.e., offenders tend to interpret experience; while exclusion criteria involved individuals
negative events in their lives as being the product of internal, with severe cognitive impairments or those unwilling to
stable, and global forces (e.g., “That’s just the type of person provide consent.17-26 The majority of participants in this study
I am, Bad to the bone, born to lose, etc.) whereas they tend to were illiterate.
view positive events in their lives as being the product of
external, unstable, and specific causes (i.e., “lucky breaks”). 4.3. Measures
These dimensions of offender cognitions may be useful in
Each participant was administered two scales to assess
understanding the psychological aspects of desistance from personality traits and locus of control. Personality traits were
crime. It also suggests an interesting, possible relationship measured using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire
between explanatory style and criminal desistance. First, (EPQ) (Miles, 2004), which consists of 90 items and is
negative-internal attributions are associated with persisting in designed to evaluate three key dimensions of personality:
criminal behavior. Someone might be less able to desist to the psychoticism, neuroticism, and extraversion. The EPQ-R
extent that negative events are seen as originating from subscales demonstrated good internal consistency, with
internal sources (“This is just the way I am”)—especially reliability estimates ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 for
when these are stable (“I’ve always been this way”) and extraversion, 0.84 to 0.86 for neuroticism, and 0.67 to 0.68
global (“I fail at everything I do, no matter where I go”). One for psychoticism (Eysenck, 1989). Locus of control was
might speculate, therefore, that the more individuals are able assessed using Rotter's Adjustment Scale (Rotter, 1966), a
to attribute positive life events to broad, long-lasting personal 29-item survey designed to determine whether an individual
has an internal or external locus of control. The test-retest
qualities (e.g., “Because I am a worthy individual”), the
reliability of this scale was 0.61.5 Statistical analysis was
greater the odds may be that they will be able to stay crime performed using descriptive statistics, with percentages
free.27 Thus the objective of the present study was to identify calculated to interpret the results.28-37

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while 45% of males and 40% of females had an external locus

4.4. Procedure of control (Table 2).
The framework and research design for this study was The analysis reveals notable gender differences in the
finalized with the nature of the study being qualitative and manifestation of personality traits, with neuroticism
quantitative. The researcher used a revised version of identified as the predominant characteristic throughout the
Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire, which includes 60 yes- prison population. Moreover, a significant proportion of
or-no questions. Furthermore, the study incorporated Rotter’s inmates exhibited an internal locus of control suggesting they
Locus of Control Scale, featuring 29 items that present two
attribute life outcomes to personal efforts rather than external
statements for each question, enabling participants to choose
forces. Lastly, the sample displayed a nearly universal
the statement that resonates with them the most. The
participants were free to express themselves since the increase in lie scale scores.
questions were open-ended. Table 1: Percentage of prisoners exhibiting 3 personality
traits
The interviews were carried out with a group of 20 prisoners,
consisting of 10 males and 10 females, all of whom consented Attributes Male Female Both
to participate, thereby ensuring compliance with ethical Psychoticism 10% 20% 5%
standards throughout the process. Audio recordings of the Neuroticism 35% 65% 60%
interviews were made using mobile devices. Both the
Extraversion 55% 15% 35%
Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and Rotter’s Locus
Lie Score 100% 95% 98.67%
of Control Scale were administered through an oral interview
format.38-40 Researchers read each question aloud in the
Table 2: Percentage of prisoners exhibiting internal and
participants' preferred language (Hindi) and recorded their
external locus of control
responses to ensure comprehension and accuracy. This
adaptation was made to maintain the validity of the
Attributes Male Female Both
assessments while accommodating the literacy limitations of
Internal LOC 55% 60% 66.67%
the sample. This method also enabled the observation of non-
External LOC 45% 40% 33.33%
verbal cues, such as body language, which could reflect the
participants' emotional states, including signs of nervousness
like sweating, changes in eye contact, and fidgeting. The
analysis of the gathered data utilized thematic methods along 6. Discussion
with statistical techniques to identify common themes in the An assessment of personality traits revealed that neuroticism
prisoners' responses, with percentages calculated to quantify was the most prevalent characteristic among all prisoners.
the findings. The interviews concluded with the researcher However, when analyzed by gender, male prisoners exhibited
thanking the participants for their cooperation and extraversion as the most dominant trait. Individuals who
reaffirming the commitment to preserving their
score high in extraversion tend to be sociable, energetic,
confidentiality.
impulsive, and sensation-seeking. They often seek
excitement and may act spontaneously. While these traits are
5. Results
not exclusive to offenders, previous research has identified
This research examines the occurrence of particular them as potential risk factors for criminal behavior. Among
personality characteristics and orientations of locus of control female prisoners, neuroticism emerged as the most prominent
among a prison population, differentiated by gender. It was trait. Individuals with high neuroticism scores often
observed that 60 % of all the prisoners showed neuroticism experience anxiety, depression, and heightened emotional
as the predominant personality trait followed by extraversion sensitivity to stressors.
(35%) and psychoticism (5%). Among male inmates, 55%
prisoners scored high on extraversion trait, followed by Previous studies have found that prisoners tend to score
neuroticism (35%) and psychoticism (10%). Among Female higher than the general population on neuroticism,
inmates, 65% females also showed neuroticism as the psychoticism, and extraversion. However, the current
predominant personality trait. Remaining 20% of the females research aimed to determine the most dominant personality
scored high on psychoticism, followed by the lowest score trait rather than comparing overall trait levels. Findings align
15% in extraversion (Table 1). Regarding the lie scale, all but with prior research indicating that women tend to score
one participant scored high, indicating a tendency toward higher in neuroticism, whereas men tend to score higher in
socially desirable responding, which may have influenced extraversion26 (Lynn & Martin, 1997; Barrett, 1998; Ruch,
self-reported responses. 2020). As existing literature suggests, women generally
exhibit higher neuroticism and are more susceptible to mood
In terms of locus of control, 66.67 % of all the prisoners and anxiety disorders.
demonstrated an internal locus of control with similar
distributions among males and females. Specifically, 55% of The current study supports these patterns, showing a
males and 60% of females exhibited internal locus of control, similar personality distribution among female prisoners.
23 Soneji et al / IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences 2025;10(1):20–24

Regarding response validity, nearly all participants, except summarize the psychological characteristics of the
one, scored high on the lie scale. This suggests a tendency to participants. Given the exploratory nature and small sample
provide socially desirable responses. Given that many size of the study, inferential statistical analyses were not
inmates were not lifelong offenders, they may have been conducted. Future research with a larger sample may
motivated to present themselves in a more favorable light to incorporate inferential techniques to examine statistical
avoid negative judgment. Therefore, the elevated lie scale significance and broader applicability of the findings and to
scores indicate that the findings should be interpreted with enhance the generalizability of the results.
caution. A significant proportion of inmates (66.67%)
demonstrated an internal locus of control, with 55% of males While the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and
and 60% of females exhibiting this orientation. Prior research Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale are well-established
suggests that offenders often attribute negative life events to psychological assessments, their validity in Indian
internal, stable, and pervasive factors, whereas they perceive correctional settings remains somewhat limited rather than
positive experiences as externally influenced and entirely new. As these tools were originally developed in
situational.27 The current findings align with this perspective, Western contexts, cultural factors may influence participants'
contributing to a deeper understanding of the psychological responses, potentially affecting the interpretation of results.
tendencies of incarcerated individuals. This represents a potential limitation of the study,
highlighting the need for further research to enhance their
7. Conclusion applicability and validation within incarcerated populations
in India. Additionally, future studies could explore the impact
This research investigated the psychological characteristics of cultural differences on personality traits and locus of
of inmates at a correctional facility in Shimla, concentrating control, examining how results may vary across diverse
on personality dimensions and locus of control through the sociocultural backgrounds
application of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)
and Rotter's Locus of Control Scale.28-35 The results indicated 9. Source of Funding
a significant prevalence of neuroticism within the inmate
population, with extraversion being notably higher among None.
male inmates, while neuroticism was also common among
female inmates. The elevated lie scores recorded across the 10. Conflict of Interest
sample suggest a propensity for socially desirable None.
responding, which necessitates careful consideration when
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