Benue State University, Makurdi

AGGRESSIVE AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG PRISON INMATES OF LAFIA PRISON, NASARAWA STATE

Nalah Augustine Bala & AkalaIwa Bernard
(Department of Pure & Applied Psychology, AdekunleAjasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria)

Abstract

The study examined the aggressive (hostility) and criminal behaviour among convicted male and female prison inmates of Lafia prison, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A sample of 147 participants drawn from Correctional Unit (Lafia Prison); 102 male and 45 female inmates were involved, their age ranged from 18 to 50 years. Simple random sampling technique was used to ensure equal representation. Psychopathic Deviate Scale (PD-Scale) and Multiple Affect Adjective Check (MAACL) were used for the collection of data. The independent t-test was used at 0.05 significant level. The result shows that t=2.20, Mean=21.95, df=145, P<0.05 for male criminality; and t = 1.29, Mean = 20.24, df = 145, P < 0.05 for female criminality. Also, t = 81, mean = 9.42, df = 145, P < 0.05 for male aggressive behaviour; and t=.64, mean=7.20, df=145, P<0.05 for female aggressive behaviour. The result showed that a statistical significant difference was observed between male and female aggressive (hostile) and criminal behaviour among convicted prison inmates serving in Lafia prison, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Psychologists should be encouraged in prisons service to provide necessary behaviour modification and therapy for the prison inmates before they are discharged to the society.

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