Explorando os fatores sociais, psicológicos e biológicos na psicopatia entre indivíduos em privação de liberdade

Abstract

The current reality that permeates the penitentiary scenario in Brazil raises a series of questions about the well-being of this population in the face of incarceration conditions. In this context, this research aimed to investigate sociodemographic markers, testosterone levels, the 2D/4D ratio, and mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and their relationship with psychopathy disorder in incarcerated individuals. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, and data collection took place in a penitentiary in the Southwest of Paraná, involving a sample of 496 male individuals. The results obtained highlighted the main characteristics of a relatively young population, where the vast majority completed up to elementary education (56,4%), predominantly consisting of unmarried individuals (60,3%), having children (66,4%), and exhibiting a history of recidivism (57.14%). Regarding assessments related to the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress, individuals were characterized by exhibiting normality, with values of 58,31%, 51,71%, and 46,61%, respectively. Primary Psychopathy (mean: 38.88) was notably significant when compared to data from other penitentiaries worldwide, prompting a more detailed examination due to the severity observed. It correlated with the severity of stress at 5%. On the other hand, Secondary Psychopathy (mean: 21.33) showed a correlation of 13% with depression, and Total Psychopathy expressed 14% significance for stress and the 2D/4D ratio, as per the evaluated sample. Testosterone levels remained within normal ranges, with no apparent relationship with the 2D/4D ratio, psychopathy, and mental disorders. Taken together, the data contribute to the understanding of factors associated with higher psychopathic traits in incarcerated individuals, with a particular emphasis on emotional factors (severity of stress and depression symptoms) and neurobiological factors (2D/4D ratio).