Personality Specificities of Recidivist Offenders: Psychological and Social Correlates

Abstract

This article explores the personality traits of recidivist offenders, with a focus on impulsivity, antisocial tendencies, and lack of empathy, in order to better understand the psychological mechanisms that contribute to repeated offending. Building on foundational research in criminology and forensic psychology, this paper synthesizes existing findings on the personality structure of repeat offenders and integrates them with social and contextual factors influencing recidivism. A narrative review of the literature and relevant empirical studies was conducted, complemented by a case study illustrating the interaction between personality traits, substance abuse, and social circumstances in the life of a recidivist offender. Evidence shows that recidivists present consistent patterns of impulsivity, egocentric thinking, and deficient empathy, which—when combined with environmental stressors—lead to a higher likelihood of reoffending. Cognitive-behavioral intervention programs have demonstrated the strongest outcomes in reducing criminal relapse. The findings support the design of targeted rehabilitation programs that combine psychological treatment, social support, and vocational training, offering actionable insights for policymakers and prison administrators. This paper highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to recidivism reduction and provides an integrative perspective linking personality, context, and intervention strategies.