PERSONALITY TRAITS AND MODERATING FACTORS AMONG INCARCERATED HOMICIDE OFFENDERS IN NIGERIA: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Homicide remains a critical public health and criminal justice issue in Nigeria, yet the psychological profiles of incarcerated homicide offenders have received limited empirical attention. This scoping review synthesizes available evidence on personality traits and moderating factors among incarcerated homicide offenders in Nigeria, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews. A scoping review was selected due to the limited and heterogeneous evidence base, which precludes systematic meta-analysis. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and African Journals Online identified 12 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 that met inclusion criteria. Significant methodological limitations, including convenience sampling, cross-sectional designs, and unvalidated instruments, undermine confidence in current findings. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is the most prevalent trait, affecting 60% to 80% of homicide offenders, followed by impulsivity (70%) and emotional dysregulation (65%). Psychopathy (20% to 30%) and narcissistic traits (25%) are less common but associated with distinct offense patterns. Key moderating factors include socioeconomic deprivation (85%), adverse childhood experiences (65%), substance use disorders (50%), cultural norms including honor-based violence (30%), and prison environment factors (70%). Assessment instrument validity presents a significant concern: the MMPI-2-RF demonstrated high invalidity rates, with 599 of 982 initial participants excluded due to validity scale elevations, while the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised showed good reliability (alpha = 0.823) in Nigerian samples but requires cultural adaptation. The indigenous Yoruba concept of aranakan, describing uncooperative, malicious, and bullheaded behavior, suggests culturally unique manifestations of psychopathic traits not captured by Western instruments. Critical gaps include the absence of female-specific studies, lack of longitudinal research, and limited validation of assessment tools for Nigerian populations. Culturally sensitive, trauma-informed interventions and locally validated assessment instruments are needed.