Relationship between personality traits and delinquency based on the five-factor model

Abstract

The relationship between personality traits and delinquency/crime, with the five-factor model as the basis, has been previously studied. However, only a few studies have examined the relationship between personality traits and delinquency, and no studies have been conducted in Japan. Therefore, we administered the Big Five Scale (BFS), a five-factor model personality test, to juvenile delinquents (N＝104) detained in a juvenile classification home, and investigated the relationship between tendency to repeat delinquency (self-report delinquency scale results) and its different types. The results of a logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis revealed that those with low agreeableness and conscientiousness were more likely to be delinquent. Furthermore, those with low agreeableness were more likely to engage in violent delinquency. These findings are consistent with overseas studies, and indicate that understanding the personality of juvenile delinquents using the five-factor model can be useful in Japan.