Psychology ETDs
Publication Date
Summer 7-15-2022
Abstract
Recidivism is costly and damaging to society. Despite the narrowing gender gap in the criminal justice system, research on female recidivism falls behind that in males. Biopsychosocial theories suggest a combination of psychosocial and neurobiological factors likely promotes criminal risk in females. This study examined the utility of various risk factors in predicting recidivism in female offenders (n = 298). Results highlight specific psychosocial risk factors (i.e., impulsive/antisocial psychopathic traits, incarceration history, substance use, education, and age) that were especially helpful in identifying females at elevated risk. A particularly novel aspect of this study was incorporation of structural and functional neuroimaging to test whether its inclusion improved prediction, beyond psychosocial risk factors. Results revealed slight improvement in classification with increasingly sophisticated brain data, primarily reflecting deficits in frontal and parietal regions. Studies like this advance biopsychosocial theories of criminality, and inform prediction and risk assessment efforts in female offenders.
Degree Name
Psychology
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Psychology
First Committee Member (Chair)
Kent A. Kiehl
Second Committee Member
Eric D. Claus
Third Committee Member
Brandi C. Fink
Fourth Committee Member
Barbara S. McCrady
Fifth Committee Member
Theresa B. Moyers
Language
English
Keywords
brain, crime, felony, female, offender, recidivism
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Bethany G.. "Psychosocial and Neuroprediction of Criminal Recidivism in a Sample of Adult Female Offenders." (2022). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/psy_etds/360
