Aggression in Prison Populations by Gender and Security Level: An Analysis Using the Personality Assessment Inventory

Abstract

Aggressive behaviors of varying severity and lethality are frequently reported in prison populations. However, the lack of comprehensive studies including both male and female samples limits the current understanding of gender-based similarities and differences in psychological, psychopathological, and criminogenic variables. The objective of this study was to explore aggressiveness-related traits, specifically the Aggression scale (AGG) and its subscales—Aggressive Attitude (AGG-A), Verbal Aggression (AGG-V), and Physical Aggression (AGG-P)—as a function of gender and security levels in Ecuadorian prisons, using the Spanish version of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). This instrument was administered to 215 incarcerated individuals (aged 19 to 68 years; M = 34.63, SD = 10.002) across three correctional facilities in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The total sample was stratified into five matched subsamples of 43 individuals each: (a) men in low-security facilities, (b) men in medium-security facilities, (c) men in high-security facilities, (d) men from all security levels combined, and (e) women from all security levels combined. Results indicated that the female subsample scored significantly higher than the combined male subsample on the AGG-A and AGG-V subscales. However, no significant differences were found between the female group and the three male subsamples (by security level) across any of the aggressiveness measures. These findings suggest that while the overall aggressiveness profiles of male and female inmates are remarkably similar, notable differences emerge—particularly in attitudinal and verbal hostility—which are more pronounced among women. Implications for institutional security, psychological assessment and intervention, and the prediction of harmful behavior are discussed.