Date of Conferral

10-26-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Teaonna Watson

Abstract

In fulfilling their role of monitoring individuals outside of a prison setting, probation officers may encounter individuals who have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or antisocial personality (ASP) traits. Individuals who have ASP traits and are not diagnosed with ASPD are still impacted by recommendations of punishment, higher recidivism rates, and a lack of treatment resources provided. Individuals in the criminal justice system with ASP traits are not a new phenomenon, but there is a lack of research on the probation officers' experience working with these individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine and explore the experiences of probation officers working with individuals who have ASP traits and to gather more knowledge on how the experiences of probation officers play a role in the criminal justice system. Social cognitive theory was used to identify the factors related to the experiences of probation officers; provide understanding on the functions of the criminal justice system; and provide insight as to why individuals make certain choices, such as recommendations of punishment. Data were collected by conducting semi structured interviews with nine probation officers who had experience working with individuals who have ASP traits. The findings revealed that probation officers’ experience working with individuals who have ASP traits can reveal a bias, can affect the recommendations officers make to judges, and can lead to feelings of burnout and being overwhelmed. This study contributes to positive social change by offering insight into the experiences of probation officers working with individuals who have ASP traits, address biases, and lack of training resources within the criminal justice system.

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