Perceptions of self and significant others in assaultive and nonassaultive criminals

Assaultive and nonassaultive inmates at a state correctional facility were compared on the processes and outcomes of evaluation of self and significant others. Respondents were administered a demographics interview and a modified version of the Role Construct Repertory Test. The two groups differed significantly on factors relating to self regard and the perceptual schema employed in evaluating self and others. Assaultives were higher in self regard and exhibited more perceptual rigidity/concreteness while possessing lower levels of discriminability and abstractness.