The Dark Traits in the Personality of Judicially Convicted Prisoners in Kurdistan Region Prisons

Abstract

The researchers in the current study aim to identify the levels of dark personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) among a sample of convicted individuals in prisons in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as the implications of differences in dark personality traits according to demographic variables (geographical location of the correctional facility, age, duration of stay). The researchers utilized a descriptive survey method, with a sample of 600 judicially convicted individuals selected from three correctional facilities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, who were administered the final version of the Dark Personality Traits Scale consisting of 27 items. The validity and reliability of the scale were verified. Following data analysis using SPSS, the results indicated that convicted individuals in the three facilities (Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Duhok) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq exhibited significant levels of dark personality traits. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found in the dark personality traits variable based on the following variables: geographical location of the correctional facility in favor of Erbil, age in favor of the age groups (20-30) and (31-40) years, and duration of stay in favor of (5.2-7.2) and (7.3 years and above). There was a significant positive relationship between all dimensions of dark personality traits. Accordingly, a set of recommendations was presented for relevant authorities and some suggestions for future research.