Women offenders' emotional experience of crime. Issue 3 (30th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ciesla, Kayley; Ioannou, Maria; Hammond, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative psychology and offender profiling. Volume 15:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 303
• Publication Date: 2018-08-30
• Subjects: emotions and crime -- offender typologies -- women offenders; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Criminal behavior, Prediction of -- Periodicals; 365.3
• DOI: 10.1002/jip.1512
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1544-4759

Abstract

Abstract: The main aim of the study was to examine the emotional experiences of crime amongst women offenders. With a mean age of 36.40 years ( SD = 11.12), 128 women offenders completed a questionnaire exploring emotions they had experienced whilst committing a crime. Participants included incarcerated individuals as well as those in community‐based projects. Smallest space analysis of the emotions highlighted four key themes; depression, distress, elation, and calm. Results reflected the circumplex model of emotions but highlighted strong distinction between pleasure and displeasure. Overall, the majority of women reported negative emotional experiences of crime. Understanding how individuals felt during their crime commission offers alternative perspectives of criminal behaviour and a framework for future explorations. Results offer crucial insights for policy makers, criminal investigations, and therapeutic treatment options.