Personality Correlates of Cybercrime: Examining Selected Dark Triad Traits among Incarcerated Cyber Offenders in Awka Custodial Centre, Nigeria

This study investigated the correlation of Dark Triad on cybercriminality among inmates in Awka Custodial Centre. The participants comprised of seventy-nine (79) cybercriminals that were selected, using purposive sampling method. They included 79 males whose ages ranged from 25 to 39 years, with a mean age of 30.86 and standard deviation of 3.47. Two instruments: The Cybercrime Behaviour Inventory and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) were used for data collection. The study adopted correlational research design, and Pearson Product Moment statistic was used for analyses. Result revealed a positive and significant correlation between psychopathy and cybercriminality among inmates; hence, the first hypothesis was accepted at r(79)= .93, P<.05. Furthermore, a positive and significant correlation was found between narcissism and cybercriminality among inmates in Awka Custodial Centre at r(79)=.92, P< .05. Based on the findings, it was recommended that assessment and treatment programs for cybercriminals should take into considerations, the role of personality traits such as narcissism and psychopathy in cybercriminality.