Personality disorders and the risk of violating legal norms – what we know about the complex nature of humans

Abstract

The article explores the relationship between theoretical knowledge of the psychology of personality disorders and its practical application in the area of justice. There is agreement in the literature on the relationship between a diagnosis of personality disorder and the increased risk of aggressive or violent behaviour, as pointed out by both the research of clinicians and judiciary workers. Nevertheless, the issue of explaining and understanding the relationship between personality disorders and violence has not yet been resolved, due to conceptualisation, diagnostic, methodological, psychotherapeutic and resocialisation difficulties. These controversies stimulate reflection and an attempt to determine whether the relationship between personality disorders and aggression is the same in all types of personality disorders.

Keywords

• personality disorders
• crime
• practical implications