From Stable Traits to Dynamic Mechanisms: An Integrative Conceptual Model of Personality and Criminogenic Cognitions in the Incarcerated Population

Criminal behavior has been explained through multiple theoretical frameworks developed independently, including general personality models (FPI, Big Five, HEXACO), maladaptive configurations (Dark Triad/Tetrad, psychopathy), and criminogenic cognitions. However, integrated analysis of this literature suggests the existence of a multilevel architecture of antisocial vulnerability rather than entirely distinct, non-communicating mechanisms. This narrative integrative review synthesizes empirical evidence regarding these frameworks in incarcerated populations, drawing predominantly on literature indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, supplemented by Google Scholar and snowballing searches, as detailed in the Methods section. The analysis identifies a convergent dispositional core—characterized by elevated aggression, emotional excitability, and psychological strain, alongside reduced conscientiousness, agreeableness, honesty–humility, and social integration—that may exert its influence on behavior partly through dynamic mechanisms such as self-efficacy and self-control, together with the more proximal influence of criminogenic cognitions, expressed differentially through maladaptive personality configurations. The persistent heterogeneity of offender profiles and conceptual convergences across models support this same multilevel structure. The findings propose a three-level integrative conceptual model that explicitly links these previously fragmented studies, with implications for directing correctional interventions toward dynamic mechanisms rather than solely toward stable personality traits.