Exploring the Relationship Between Personality Nuances and Criminal Offenses Using Network Analysis

Abstract: This study examined the structural organization of relations between personality nuances and different types of criminal offenses using an item–offense approach. The sample consisted of 592 male prisoners in Croatia ( M _age = 39.55 years, SD _age = 11.16). Network analysis showed a central role of the nervousness nuance in offending and recidivism, as well as its importance in distinguishing between violent and nonviolent offenses. Nervousness was positively associated with violent offenses but negatively with nonviolent ones. Moreover, trustworthiness also emerged as a central nuance for violent offenses, while thoroughness and laziness were key for nonviolent offenses. Overall, this study offers valuable insight into the relations between personality and criminal behavior using an item-level approach.