Examining Impulsivity, Risk Perception, and Gender Disparities among Incarcerated Individuals in Lahore

Abstract

This study investigates the nuanced dimensions of impulsivity, risk perception, and gender disparities within the incarcerated population in Lahore. With a focus on forensic psychology, the research explores the intricate interplay between these factors among individuals who have undergone incarceration at least once in life. The researchers utilized the Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaires, to assess levels of impulsivity, risk perception, and risk-taking among the participants. A selective sample of 150 participants was selected for the study, consisting of 120 male and 30 female inmates between the ages of 22 and 45. The study operationalized negative personality predispositions through the Adult PAQ, discerning traits such as hostility/aggression, dependency, negative self-esteem, and emotional instability, among others. Psychopathic trends were assessed, distinguishing primary and secondary psychopathy through measures of interpersonal manipulation, callous effect, erratic lifestyle, and antisocial behavior. Findings from person-product moment correlations unveiled intriguing connections between negative personality traits and psychopathic tendencies. Stepwise regression analyses provided insights into the predictive strength of negative personality predispositions, shedding light on their implications within non-forensic populations. Moreover, this research explored gender differences in psychopathic trends through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), contributing to an enhanced understanding of gender-specific variances within these traits. Ethical considerations, adherence to APA guidelines, and linguistic compatibility were meticulously observed in data collection, employing translated versions of assessment tools. This study presents a comprehensive examination of the interplay between impulsivity, risk perception, and gender disparities among incarcerated individuals, offering valuable insights into forensic psychology within the cultural context of Lahore. The findings underscore the significance of understanding negative personality traits and psychopathic tendencies within non-forensic populations, emphasizing their relevance in forensic psychological assessments and interventions.