TITLE:
Sociodemographic, Psychological, and Biochemical Markers and Their Relationship with Psychopathy in Incarcerated Individuals
AUTHORS:
Bruna Roberta Faedo Costa, Raquel Maiéli Bagatini, Kairo Adriano Ribeiro De Carvalho, Felipe Alves Alencar Lima, Katharine Margaritha Satiro Braz, Cristian Ferreira Corona, Pedro Lucas Vogt, Gabriela Sandri, Camila Dalmolin, Franciele Ani Caovilla Follador, Ana Paula Vieira, Geraldo Emílio Vicentini, Lirane Elize Defante Ferreto, Guilherme Welter Wendt, Dalila Moter Benvegnú
KEYWORDS:
Individuals Deprived of Liberty, Psychopathy, Testosterone, 2D:4D Ratio, Mental Disorders
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.15 No.5,
May
23,
2024
ABSTRACT: The current reality that permeates the penitentiary scenario in Brazil raises a series of questions about the well-being of this population in the face of incarceration conditions. In this context, this research aimed to investigate sociodemographic markers, testosterone levels, the 2D/4D ratio, and mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and their relationship with psychopathy disorder in incarcerated individuals. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, and data collection took place in a penitentiary in the Southwest of Paraná, involving a sample of 496 male individuals. The results obtained highlighted the main characteristics of a relatively young population, where the vast majority completed up to elementary education (56.4%), predominantly consisting of unmarried individuals (60.3%), having children (66.4%), and exhibiting a history of recidivism (57.14%). Regarding assessments related to the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress, individuals were characterized by exhibiting normality, with values of 58.31%, 51.71%, and 46.61%, respectively. Primary Psychopathy (mean: 38.88) was notably significant when compared to data from other penitentiaries worldwide, prompting a more detailed examination due to the severity observed. It correlated with the severity of stress at 5%. On the other hand, Secondary Psychopathy (mean: 21.33) showed a correlation of 13% with depression, and Total Psychopathy expressed 14% significance for stress and the 2D/4D ratio, as per the evaluated sample. Testosterone levels remained within normal ranges, with no apparent relationship with the 2D/4D ratio, psychopathy, and mental disorders. Taken together, the data contribute to the understanding of factors associated with higher psychopathic traits in incarcerated individuals, with a particular emphasis on emotional factors (severity of stress and depression symptoms) and neurobiological factors (2D/4D ratio).