Neurotic Personality Traits: Prevalence of domestic abuse among inmates in prisons in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The prevalence of domestic abuse in Kenya is about 39% and is heavily exacerbated by issues such as the individuals’ personality traits and their past experiences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of neurotic personality traits on domestic abuse among prisoners convicted for domestic abuse in prisons in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study used both correlational and phenomenological research designs. The target population was 10,334 inmates convicted of domestic related crimes with a sample size of 370. From the findings the respondents who were more confident, resilient, and secure and the type of physical abuse they perpetrated, 28.8% indicated physical abuse, 21.2% indicated sexual abuse, 16.0% indicated financial abuse, and 17.9% indicated emotional abuse while 16.0% were not sure. This study concluded that prevalence of domestic abuse is determined by neurotic personality traits. An implication of this finding is discussed.