Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the attribution style among criminals with conduct disorder and watchmen in Tehran’s Center for Correction and Rehabilitation.

Method: Retrospective method was used in this study. Two groups consisted of an experimental group (30 criminals and 15 watchmen) and a normal group (30 normal subjects) who were matched for sex, age and education were evaluated. The subjects in the criminal and normal groups were selected using random sampling and convenience sampling methods respectively but due to the small number of watchmen in the center, all were evaluated. The subjects in the three groups were assessed through interview and Attribution Style Ques-tionnaire (ASQ). Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance and post hoc Scheffe.

Results: Data showed that criminal’s attribution style for unfavorable events is different from the attribution styles of watchmen and normal subjects. Their attribution style was more external (p<0.01) and more unstable (p<0.01). Other attribution styles were not significantly different among the three groups.

Conclusion: Criminals with conduct disorder attribute unfavorable events to external and unstable factors. This kind of attribution could have a role in the maintenance of their criminal actions.