EYSENCK’S THEORY OF PERSONALITY AO1

• Eysenck’s theory assumes that criminals and non-criminals differ on the basis of their personality. Extraverts (E) are typically outgoing, sociable people who seek stimulation. They are more likely to take risks and be thrill seekers. Eysenck argues that this is because they inherit an under aroused nervous system and so seek stimulation to restore the level to its optimum.
• Eysenck argued that if the residual level of activation is low in the Reticular Activating System (RAS) for extroverts, so they seek extra stimulation from the environment. High extroverts are sensation seekers and for that reason the ‘thrill’ of committing a crime might make them drawn to such behaviour. Introverts (I) on the other hand, lie at the other end of the scale, being quiet and reserved. They are already over-aroused and shun sensation and stimulation.
• Neuroticism (N) is shown by characteristics such as anxiety and emotional instability, whereas a stable personality is calm and even tempered. With neuroticism, Eysenck suggested that the biological basis was due to the autonomic nervous system. Some people react swiftly and strongly to stress physiologically, and Eysenck argued that those measuring high for neuroticism would react quickly and to a greater degree. So neurotic criminals tend to have triggered, snapped, or over-reacted in that moment
• High neurotics experience high levels of emotion, meaning they are more likely to commit crime in an emotionally charged situation. They are also more likely to be conditioned because of their responsive autonomic nervous system and therefore they could be conditioned to commit crime.
• A later addition to this model was psychoticism (P) which is characterised by cold, aggressive, and hostile behaviour. Eysenck argues that people who score high on extraversion and neuroticism do not condition well. This means that they do not learn society’s rules and social norms easily and they do not respond well to punishment. Individuals scoring high on the psychoticism scale are more likely to commit crime as they are aggressive and lack a conscience. This means that there will be less holding them back and concern from others will not prevent them.