The relation between temperament and anger response among prisoners: comparison of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and the Psychobiological Model of temperament and character

Abstract

This study investigates the relation between temperament and anger response among prisoners, and compares temperament as proposed by Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and the Psychobiological Model of Temperament and Character. We asked 210 prisoners to respond to Korean standardized questionnaires, with items of the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Approach System (BAS/BIS), and the items of Temperament and character inventory (TCI). Based on the Novaco Anger Scale, prisoners’ anger responses were rated as those of direct, indirect, verbal, or impulsive. Three factors of the BAS and BIS all demonstrated significantly positive correlations, while reward dependence and novelty-seeking from the TCI showed a correlation nearing 0. Also, higher harm avoidance of TCI was associated with lower reward dependence, lower level of persistence, and higher level of novelty-seeking of TCI. Regression analyses showed that impulsive anger reaction was significantly explained by novelty-seeking of TCI and BIS; verbal aggression by fun-seeking of BAS and novelty-seeking of TCI; physical confrontation by novelty-seeking of TCI and fun-seeking of BAS; and indirect expression by novelty-seeking, harm avoidance, and persistence of TCI and fun-seeking of BAS.

The Effectiveness of Integrated Group Therapy on Prolonged Grief Disorder of Bereaved People from COVID-19 Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Individuals acquiring scores above the mean possess higher levels of aggression. The validity and reliability of this scale have been reported at 0.86 and 0.96, and its Cronbach alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability equal 0.86 and 0.73 ( Jang, 2019 ).…”

Erratum

“…However, there are few studies on the relationship between anger response, BAS factors, and the four dimensions of temperament in the Psychobiological Model of Temperament and Character. Furthermore, despite the high likelihood of a similarity between the temperaments suggested by the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and Psychobiological Model of Temperament and Character, there is little research comparing the associations between each dimension or system and the anger response..." 7 .…”

“…Cloninger's Psychobiological Model of Temperament and Character, and 3) explore the relationship between the temperament factors in each model to understand the nature of temperaments..." 7 .…”

Group-based mindfulness interventions in prisons: a selective critical review

“…Many inmates enter the prison system with pre-existing mental health difficulties which are further exacerbated by harsh prison environments, placing prisoners at greater risk of developing anxiety, depression and insomnia (Bedaso et al , 2020; Mansoor et al , 2015). Furthermore, many prisoners show high levels of impulsivity, trait anger and antisocial cognition (Jang, 2019), as well as poor stress management skills (Nidich et al , 2016). The commonality of these traits risks the expression of mental distress as challenging behaviours (Samele et al , 2016), including self-harm, violence and suicide (Maroney et al , 2021; Webb et al , 2011).…”