Reading the mind in the dark: Theory of mind and dark personality as predictors of criminal behavior and recidivism

Are inherently self-focused individuals with pronounced dark personality traits (in)capable of understanding other minds? How does this predict their criminal behavior and reoffending risk? Both aversive personality traits and mentalization deficits have been documented to predict criminal behavior, although their joint contribution has not yet been explored. We evaluated the core of dark personality with the Dark Factor of Personality (Moshagen et al., 2018), extracting its Dark themes (Callousness, Sadism, Vindictiveness, Deceitfulness, and Narcissistic Entitlement) as reported by a sample of convicted offenders ( N = 173) and a matched community sample ( N = 88). Participants were tested with a set of four performance-based theory of mind tasks (ToM: first, second-order, and advanced). While basic ToM abilities were similar across groups, recidivists showed impairments in advanced ToM, particularly in decoding intentionality, a deficit which did not differ according to offense type. A predictive model revealed that a combination of elevated levels of Sadism, lower ability to decode Intentionality, alongside reduced social desirability, were the most significant predictors of recidivism. Implications of these findings for developing rehabilitation programs which take into account both (dark) personality propensities and mentalization deficits to prevent reoffending are discussed. • We assessed dark personality and theory of mind in prisoners and a community sample. • The Dark Factor of personality and especially Sadism was higher in recidivists. • Basic mentalizing abilities were similar in first-time offenders, recidivists and the general community. • Recidivists had deficits in advanced theory of mind, particularly in decoding intentionality. • Higher Sadism, lower Intentionality decoding, and lower social desirability were predictors of recidivism.