Personality disorders in detention: applied research and implications for social development

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between personality disorders and inmates’ adaptive functioning within the prison environment. The research aimed to identify how maladaptive personality traits relate to institutional behaviors, including rewards, disciplinary measures, participation in activities, and sentence length. A sample of 83 incarcerated individuals was assessed using a structured clinical interview for personality disorders and institutional file analysis. Statistical procedures included correlation analysis, group comparisons, and linear regression. The results showed that personality disorders were primarily associated with maladaptive behaviors, particularly a higher frequency of disciplinary measures, while adaptive indicators such as rewards and work-credit days were influenced mainly by institutional factors. Inmates serving longer sentences exhibited a significantly higher number of personality disorders compared to those with shorter sentences. Regression findings indicated that personality disorders significantly predicted disciplinary outcomes, although the effect size was modest. Overall, the study highlights that maladaptive personality traits hinder adaptation to incarceration and increase the likelihood of behavioral noncompliance. These findings underscore the need for early psychological screening, individualized interventions, and structured rehabilitative programs aimed at enhancing emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, and institutional adjustment among incarcerated individuals.