(1) Background: Criminogenic cognitions can influence criminal behavior and recidivism. The validation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) within the cultural and social context of Romanian offenders, along with an understanding of their profiles, is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation. (2) Methods: The CCS was administered to 460 inmates across eight Romanian prisons, with the respondents having a mean age of 39.23 (SD 10.36; range 21–71). Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The Non-Acceptance of Responsibility (FAR) subscale had the highest internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.707), followed by Notions of Entitlement (NOE) (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.683). The Negative Attitudes Toward Authority (NATA) subscale was considered valid with caution (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.529). The highest FAR scores were observed among inmates convicted of sexual offenses, those who were widowed, and those with lower education levels. Higher scores were recorded on all scales for inmates who identified as drug users and those who perceived their punishment as unjust (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The CCS is valid in the Romanian context, and the variability of criminogenic cognitions based on education level, type of offense, and perception of punishment should be considered when implementing rehabilitative measures.

Background: Personality traits, particularly those belonging to the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), may influence violent behavior and adaptation to the prison environment. Methods: The study included 250 male inmates from Bucharest-Jilava Penitentiary, aged between 20 and 67 years. The Emotional Stability Scale (IPIP), the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Short Dark Triad Scale (SD3) were administered. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, multiple linear regressions, and binary logistic regressions. Results: Emotional stability was negatively correlated with aggression (r = −0.48, p < 0.01). Psychopathy significantly predicted physical aggression (t = 11.96, p < 0.001) and anger (t = 9.53, p < 0.001), whereas Machiavellianism predicted verbal aggression (t = 3.14, p = 0.002) and hostility (t = 4.73, p < 0.001). Higher levels of physical aggression were associated with a lower likelihood of participation in educational activities (Exp(B) = 0.93, p = 0.032). Conclusions: The influence of Dark Triad traits on aggression is differentiated, with psychopathy exerting the strongest effect. Low emotional stability increases vulnerability to hostile behaviors. These findings support the need for multidimensional psychological assessments and tailored intervention programs designed to enhance violent offenders’ engagement in educational activities aimed at impulse control and empathy development within the prison environment.

Background/Objectives: Substance use disorders are common in the prison population and are associated with relapse and criminal recidivism, yet qualitative evidence on recovery capital and family support within Eastern European penitentiary systems remains limited. This study explored how incarcerated men with a history of substance use perceive initiation, withdrawal, recovery, and the role of family support as a recovery capital resource. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in a Romanian penitentiary with 50 definitively sentenced men with self-reported substance use history, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, without audio recording due to institutional security regulations, and reconstructed in detailed written notes validated through member checking, then analyzed using inductive thematic analysis via consensus-based double coding (initially coded by the first researcher and reviewed by a second researcher, with discrepancies resolved through discussion), until thematic saturation was reached. Results: Six themes were identified: initiation of use influenced by peer groups, socioeconomic vulnerability, and criminogenic environments; effects initially perceived as beneficial, followed by progressive deterioration; severe withdrawal and denial of dependence; cognitive mechanisms sustaining use, including externalization of responsibility; the dual role of the family as both a risk and a protective factor; and a recovery process marked by ambivalence toward abstinence, in which family support, employment, and prosocial relationships were central. Abstinence during incarceration was frequently perceived as maintained under institutional constraint rather than as internally motivated recovery. Conclusions: In this single-prison sample, recovery extended beyond abstinence, suggesting the need to strengthen personal, social, and family recovery capital. The findings, which require confirmation in larger samples, support exploring integrated prison–community continuum-of-care interventions centered on addiction treatment, family involvement, and post-release support.

Criminal behavior has been explained through multiple theoretical frameworks developed independently, including general personality models (FPI, Big Five, HEXACO), maladaptive configurations (Dark Triad/Tetrad, psychopathy), and criminogenic cognitions. However, integrated analysis of this literature suggests the existence of a multilevel architecture of antisocial vulnerability rather than entirely distinct, non-communicating mechanisms. This narrative integrative review synthesizes empirical evidence regarding these frameworks in incarcerated populations, drawing predominantly on literature indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, supplemented by Google Scholar and snowballing searches, as detailed in the Methods section. The analysis identifies a convergent dispositional core—characterized by elevated aggression, emotional excitability, and psychological strain, alongside reduced conscientiousness, agreeableness, honesty–humility, and social integration—that may exert its influence on behavior partly through dynamic mechanisms such as self-efficacy and self-control, together with the more proximal influence of criminogenic cognitions, expressed differentially through maladaptive personality configurations. The persistent heterogeneity of offender profiles and conceptual convergences across models support this same multilevel structure. The findings propose a three-level integrative conceptual model that explicitly links these previously fragmented studies, with implications for directing correctional interventions toward dynamic mechanisms rather than solely toward stable personality traits.

Objective. This study analyzed the personality traits that may characterize offenders convicted of rape and violent acts. Material and methods. The study involved 850 incarcerated individuals, permanently sentenced and detained within the National Penitentiary Administration of Romania. Participants were aged between 21 and 71 years (MD = 38.7), with 3% being female. The CP5F Personality Questionnaire and a thematic omnibus questionnaire were applied. Results. The analysis revealed that the prisoners who committed a violent act had statistically significantly higher scores on the Extraversion scales (M = 72.14, SD = 11.43; M =70.24, SD =9.58), t(848) = 8.47, p < .05., Emotional Stability (M = 80.22, SD = 10.96; M =77.76, SD =10.82), t(848) = .51, p < .005, and Autonomy (M = 76.12, SD = 9.49; M =74.56, SD =8.25), t(848) = 7.15, p < .05, than the non-violent ones. Prisoners who committed the crime of rape have lower scores on Conscientiousness (M = 99.7783), Emotional Stability (M = 76.6179), and Autonomy (M = 74.0189) compared to those who committed crimes in other categories. Conclusions. The entire sample is characterized by low levels of Emotional Stability and Autonomy. Violent offenders were specifically characterized by lower levels of Extraversion, while rape offenders displayed notably lower levels of Conscientiousness. The present study suggests that there is an urgent need for specialized interventions by considering the psychological aspects that characterize the type of crime committed. Keywords: personality traits, prisoner, crime, violence, rape.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to explore the scientific literature on the variability of executive functions and emotional regulation in substance users, and based on it, one can formulate prevention and intervention strategies in order to reduce substance use. Methodology. Using the APA PsycNet and Scopus platforms, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies investigating executive functions and emotional regulation in illicit drug users aged 18 years and older were searched. From a total of 1073 articles, 64 relevant studies published between 2002-2023 were selected. Results. Use of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis was associated with significant deficits in executive functions and emotional regulation. Opioid users showed major difficulties in decision-making and learning, and cocaine users showed deficits in cognitive control. Cognitive flexibility and working memory were impaired in methamphetamine users, and cannabis use was associated with cognitive and emotional deficits. Targeted interventions, such as Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, have shown improvements in neurocognitive function and reductions in substance use. Conclusions. Executive functions and emotional regulation are impaired by drug use with variability influenced by the type of substance used and severely impaired in poly-drug use. Following substance use remission, executive function deficits and difficulties in emotional regulation improved. Personalized interventions that specifically address each individual’s cognitive and emotional deficits are needed.

Introduction:This study investigates personality traits, coping mechanisms, and the mediating function of self-efficacy in the relationship between these factors in individuals incarcerated for criminal offenses. Methods:The Freiburg Personality Inventory, COPE Inventory, and Self-Efficacy Scale were used to assess the responses of 857 inmates. The moderating influence of age, sex, and number of years of incarceration was examined using a mediation model. Results:The participants reported high scores on the aggressiveness, strain, somatic complaints, health concern, and emotionality scales (Cronbach α > 0.7; their composite score p < 0.001). Self-efficacy and the negative indirect effects of personality on coping mechanisms (p < 0.05) highlighted the indirect negative effects of mediation on the personality-coping relationship. Age reduced self-efficacy and additional coping mechanisms, and a high emotionality score negatively impacted self-efficacy (p < 0.001). When the incarceration duration was less than five years and the personality score increased, coping mechanisms were more prominent. Discussion:Owing to their health concerns, feelings of being overworked, psycho-vegetative lability, and resistance to the desire to express themselves verbally and physically, detainees require evaluation and intervention. When individuals gain confidence in their own skills to overcome the period of detention and rectify themselves behaviorally, emotional lability is reduced and a suitable context for educational and psychotherapy intervention is created. The distinctiveness of personality, coping strategies, self-efficacy, sex, age, and years of incarceration, should all be considered in correctional programs and activities.

Objectives. The objectives of this research paper are to identify the frames used by online journalists in covering the acts of violence done by teenagers involving alcohol and/or drug consumption, study realised during the two publicized events with the aim to analyze the similarities and the differences during the media coverage of these incidents across in both cases. Material and methods. The research used the narrative analysis in order to examine how online media presented violent acts by teenagers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The analysis focused on identifying key narrative structures, such as characters, conflicts, and themes, in 60 online news articles. The sample included the coverage of two widely publicized events in Romania: the “Medusa operation” (20 articles) and the 2 Mai commune accident (40 articles), published between January 2023 and September 2024. The selection was based on media attention and relevance to drug or alcohol consumption. Results. The analysis partially confirmed the first hypothesis, with episodic frames prevailing only in the 2 Mai commune accident, while the “Medusa Operation” was framed thematically, focusing on institutional actions. The second hypothesis was not confirmed, as both cases shared common themes around the criminalization of drug use without case-specific narratives. Conclusion. The media’s tendency to oversimplify narratives by focusing on general themes and stereotypical portrayals limits public understanding of the complexities of drug use among adolescents, missing opportunities to discuss prevention and rehabilitation. Keywords: narrative analysis, episodic frames, thematic frames, public perception, youth drug use.

Objectives. The objective of the study was to identify the most common predictors and protective factors regarding juvenile violence as revealed by the scientific literature. Material and methods. Information was searched in the APA PsycNet and PubMed platforms. Longitudinal studies were chosen, which evaluated potential risk or protective factors in violent manifestation and whose samples had an average age of 14-21 years at the time of the violence risk assessment. 39 papers that met the inclusion criteria were retained. Results. The main classes of risk factors were family difficulties: family violence, parent-child conflicts, etc.; individual psychological triggering factors like: anger, low self-control, etc.; history of victimization; school problems: learning difficulties, negative models in school, etc.; substance use; early violent manifestation; the negative influence of the neighborhood. The major categories of the protective factors referred to the favorable family climate: parental involvement, connection with parents, etc.; the presence of beneficial individual psychological factors: emotional well-being, high levels of emotional regulation, etc.; the existence of a positive school climate: school satisfaction, school connectedness, etc. Certain factors were significant only for girls (e.g., religiosity as a protective factor, somatic complaints as a risk factor), and others were significant only for boys (e.g., carrying weapons to school as a risk factor, parental monitoring as a protective factor). Conclusions. Family, individual psychological, and school factors can have both a predictive and a protective role in violence. Amplifying the beneficial dimensions of these factors may contribute to reducing the risk of antisocial behaviors among adolescents.

Objectives. The study’s objectives were to test the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) – Family Impact Module (PedsQL™ – FIM), an instrument that evaluates the quality of life of parents of children with chronic illnesses, and to provide a general characterization of life’s quality. Material and Methods. The Romanian version of the PedsQL™ – FIM was obtained based on a request from the developer through the Mapi Research Trust, and the questionnaire was applied to 108 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed, the internal consistency, the convergent validity and the discriminant validity were also calculated. Results. The Romanian version of the PedsQL™ – FIM passed the CFA and EFA tests, showing satisfactory internal consistency for all scales, with nearly all standardized coefficients above 0.7. Its use highlighted significant deteriorations in total quality of life scores and scores for emotional, social, cognitive functioning, communication, worry, daily activities, and family relationships scales. Conclusions. The application of the PedsQL™ – FIM confirmed the results of international studies – the quality of life of parents of children with ASD is severely deteriorated due to the stress generated by the child’s illness, especially their disruptive behaviors. Evaluating the quality of life of parents of children with ASD using this instrument provides a solid foundation for support interventions for these parents, helping them become more functional physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Keywords: autistic spectrum, quality of life, parents.

The study aimed to evaluate the possible mediating effect of two independent variables, self-efficacy and self-control, and to analyse the role of personality traits in the manifestation of criminogenic behavior. A total of 850 detainees from Romania, aged between 21 and 71 years (mean age = 38.7; standard deviation = 10.58), completed the CP5F Personality Questionnaire, the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (SCC), the Machiavellianism Scale, and the Self-Efficacy Scale. The mediation model showed the following. Self-efficacy and self-control parallelly mediate the relationship between personality (p < 0.05) and the negative attitude toward the individual/authority (p < 0.01). As the score for self-efficacy increases, the score for Machiavellianism and the score for the negative attitude toward the individual also increase. As the score of self-control increases, the score for Machiavellianism decreases. The personality score explains approximately 27% of the variance in the self-efficacy score and 7.2% of the variance in the self-control score (p < 0.001). Self-control and self-efficacy are psychological dimensions that must be developed from adolescence, but in the direction of desirable, prosocial behaviours to prevent the formation of a criminal identity. Strengthening personality factors (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, and Autonomy) can lead to a decrease in negative attitudes toward authority and the individual, which can result in a decrease in recidivism.

Objectives. The objectives of the study were to develop the Romanian version of the RRS-22 Ruminative Response Scale, thus initiating the process of validating it and exploring gender differences in ruminative-depressive responses with the help of this instrument. Material and methods. The scale was translated by two English translators. The two variants were compared in order to preserve the semantic content of the items, and the Romanian version of the scale was finalized. Subsequently, the scale was applied to N = 372 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, and internal consistency, convergent validity, and divergent validity were assessed. Gender differences in ruminative-depressive responses were explored. Results. The criteria required to validate the RRS instrument for the Romanian population have been satisfied. The scales associated with the three latent factors showed satisfactory internal consistency. Its use revealed significant differences between women and men, in favor of women, both in terms of total rumination scores and in terms of the reflection and brooding factor scores. There were also highly significant differences between women and men regarding ruminative themes assessed by the RRS-22. Conclusions. The Romanian version of the RRS-22 scale proved to have good psychometric properties. Its application confirmed the results of international studies carried out with the help of this instrument, according to which there are important differences between women and men in the way of coping with a negative mood, expressed through ruminative responses. The tendency to engage in rumination in response to distress is much more pronounced in women. Keywords: rumination, depression, gender, brooding, reflection.

Despite recent discoveries, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) still face challenges with attainment of remission. The objectives of the study were to identify the characteristics of patients with the Freiburg Personality Inventory and the intensity of the intestinal disease, comorbidities that could be related to the personality of the subjects. Data were collected in the period 2019–2020 from 46 patients and used nonparametric methods. Compared to the normative sample, the Inhibitedness, Health Concerns, and Emotionality scales had significantly higher raw scores. The Social Orientation, Frankness, and Extraversion scales had significantly lower raw scores. Health status was a medical factor that influenced the Somatic Complaints scale, patients who had lesions or comorbidities had significantly higher raw scores. Patients who had comorbidities in addition to IBD had considerably higher raw scores on the Excitability scale. Psychotherapeutic change interventions regarding life perception are required to tackle the description of subjective suffering related to physical inconveniences (Somatic Complaints scale), a strong orientation toward performance (Strain scale), mood swings, anxiety, and pessimism (Emotionality scale). Another intervention is reconsidering values and (re) prioritization, such as family, intimate relationships, friends, health, growth, development, balanced work, all of which can promote a feeling of well-being and balance. A pesar de los descubrimientos recientes, los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) aún enfrentan desafíos para lograr la remisión. Los objetivos del estudio fueron identificar las características de los pacientes con el Inventario de Personalidad de Freiburg y la intensidad de la enfermedad colónica, comorbilidades que podrían estar relacionadas con la personalidad de los sujetos. Los datos se recopilaron en el período 2019-2020 de 46 pacientes y utilizaron métodos no paramétricos. En comparación con el grupo de control, las escalas de Inhibición, Problemas de salud y Emocionalidad tenían puntuaciones brutas significativamente más altas. Las escalas de Orientación Social, Franqueza y Extraversión tuvieron puntajes brutos significativamente más bajos. El estado de salud fue un factor médico que influyó en la escala de Quejas Somáticas, los pacientes que tenían lesiones o comorbilidades tenían puntuaciones brutas significativamente más altas. Los pacientes que tenían comorbilidades además de la EII tenían puntuaciones brutas considerablemente más altas en la escala de Excitabilidad. Se requieren intervenciones psicoterapéuticas de cambio en la percepción de la vida para abordar la descripción del sufrimiento subjetivo relacionado con molestias físicas (escala de quejas somáticas), una fuerte orientación hacia el rendimiento (escala de tensión), cambios de humor, ansiedad y pesimismo (escala de emocionalidad). Otra intervención es la reconsideración y (re)priorización de valores, como la familia, las relaciones íntimas, los amigos, la salud, el crecimiento, el desarrollo, el trabajo equilibrado, todos los cuales pueden promover una sensación de bienestar y equilibrio.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, after 3 months from the installation of the state of emergency on the territory of Romania, data were collected from 677 students and master’s students, to explore the problematic alcohol consumption (AC). The evaluation was done with: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Strategic Coping Approach Scale and The Freiburg Personality Inventory. The statistical methods used were linear regression with bootstrap procedure, Spearman’s rank correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U test. More than half were affected by depression or anxiety of moderate to extremely severe intensity. The prevalence of problematic alcohol consumption was low: (Hazardous and Extremely Hazardous (2.3) and Medium Risk (10.2). Early onset increases the subsequent risk of problematic AC, compared to women, men recorded a higher AC (p <.01). Anxiety, antisocial action, personality traits Aggressiveness and Somatic complaints had the effect of increasing the alcohol consumption score (p <.01). Significant but weak positive correlations between AC on one hand, and depression, anxiety, stress and antisocial action on the other hand were found (p <.01). Probably the prevalence of AC was low as a result of the fact that most respondents were studying in the field of health promotion and as a result of the closure of entertainment venues. This study advocates for the education of youngsters to clearly express their opinions without violating the boundaries of others’ feelings (assertive action) and to act prudently in dangerous or uncertain situations (cautious action) since these coping mechanisms were not associated with problematic alcohol consumption. The promotion of positive, achievement-oriented, life attitudes is equally important, as these characteristics of the Life Satisfaction personality dimensions were also found as non-determinants of alcohol-induced problems. The association of problematic AC with antisocial actions as a coping mechanism and high scores on Aggressiveness calls for interventions to educate the younger generation how to acquire and adopt healthy mechanisms to control tensions without resorting to alcohol consumption, more so as the two variables reinforce each other. Drinking as a means of gaining courage must be carefully reconsidered since anxiety generally hits back, often in increased levels.

Objective. The objective was to analyze the impact of institutional practices on the physical and mental health of women victims of human trafficking and prostitution, as well as to highlight the main risk factors for them. Material and methods. By using several databases, the number of studies included in this meta-analysis was 25. Scientific articles, doctoral theses, dissertations, presentations at conferences, book chapters, or reports were taken into account. There were longitudinal or cross-sectional studies. The meta-analysis totaled 455,406 subjects, the heterogeneity being a significant one (Q = 5062,288, df = 24, p = 0.000), and we increase the average effect, 38% of the variance of the results being due to the studied variables (95%: 1.08 % – 0.31%). Results. The hostile attitude of the authorities towards sex workers and the refusal to offer protection were identified as the most widespread consequences of institutional practices. Other consequences that arise as a result of the direct interaction of sex workers with the authorities are risky behaviors such as drug use, violent sexual acts, or discontinuation of drug treatment. The key risk factors for women in this category are psychological difficulties, gender and economic inequalities and an inadequate sexual history. Conclusions. There is a continuous interaction between the legislative model, institutional practices, and the physical and mental health of sex workers. Awareness and understanding of the problems that these women face when they practice prostitution would facilitate the improvement of the management capacity of this phenomenon. Keywords: prostitution, human trafficking, legislative model, risk.

The purpose of the study was to identify changes occurring in the sexual activity of Bulgarian and Romanian students in relation to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to explore how respondents perceived sexual education they benefited from in the past. A self-reporting guideline was adapted right at beginning of the restrictions caused by the pandemic, in March 2020. The story of life guideline for a qualitative study was constructed as compressing 2 major categories of data: 7 items of socio-demographic information and 55 specific items on personal life, organized into age stages. Between May and December 2020 data were collected by e-mail from students between 19 and 25 years. As a first result of data collection, 102 stories were kept for deeper analyses, 50 from Romanian and 52 from Bulgarian BA and MA students, 64 girls and 38 boys. Small differences were found between Romanian and Bulgarian groups regarding the age of the first intercourse or the changes that appeared in sexual behavior in relation to the pandemic outbreak. More of the Bulgarian participants declared not having started a sexual life, and also more of the Bulgarian participants decided not to answer some of the sexuality items. The conclusions issued by the analyses of both groups showed the need for developing specific sexual education curricula, created and implemented by experts, starting with younger ages of pupils.

This study aimed to explore the age, gender, and personality variables involved in alcohol consumption (AC) at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania among 210 bachelor’s and master’s students aged between 19 and 25 years. The results of the Freiburg Personality Inventory–Revised and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test were examined using a logistic model and cluster analysis. The prevalence of problematic AC was relatively low (10.5%). The risk of males being part of the problematic AC cluster was 5.223 times higher than that of females (p < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with a decrease in the risk of belonging to the problematic cluster by a factor of 0.733 (p = 0.001). Increasing scores on the Frankness and Somatic Complaints personality scales were associated with a decreased risk of belonging to the problematic cluster of AC, with factors of 0.738 (95% CI, 0.643 to 0.848), Wald χ2(1) = 18.424, and p < 0.001 and 0.901 (95% CI, 0.813 to 0.999), Wald χ2(1) = 3.925, and p = 0.048, respectively. More action to prevent AC is needed in men, especially in those at the beginning of their university studies. It is necessary to intervene to decrease the interest in making a good impression (low scores on the Frankness Scale) so as to increase healthy autonomy using critical thinking and find a balance between the internal and external loci of control. Students from faculties with profiles that deal with health and its promotion are less vulnerable to problematic alcohol consumption, even if they have a withdrawn, pessimistic personality (low scores on Somatic Complaints).

Objectives. The outbreak of the SarsCov-2 virus pandemic in March 2020, produced essential changes in the way of life for students in different countries. Each person has developed their own personal coping systems to adapt to the times. The purpose was to assess the magnitude of impact produced in behavioral and emotional life dimensions at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. Material and methods. Collecting data was based on a comprehensive online questionnaire, addressed to 19-25 years old, master’s, and bachelor’s students in Romania. The questionnaire includes standard psychological evaluation tools such as Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, DASS – 21R, Cognitive-Emotional Coping Assessment Questionnaire (CERQ), and Strategic Approaches to Coping Scale (SACS), but also a series of demographic indicators. Statistic analyse was based on ANOVA, Levene Test, T-Test, and Pearson Correlations. Results. The results revealed some differences between coping strategies male participants would choose, and those preferred by female participants, and small variances between age groups. The most commonly found coping strategy was social support. Maladaptive and passive coping strategies positively correlated to all mental health indicators. Self-blame (p

Objective. The objective was to identify and analyze how criminogenic thinking and personality are involved in delinquency and crime in order to prevent criminal behavior. Material and methods. Data were collected from 300 male inmates, with ages between 21 and 65, definitively sentenced and in custody in seven Romanian penitentiaries. An omnibus questionnaire and two psychological questionnaires were used: the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale and the CP5F Personality Questionnaire. Results. Compared to the control group, the group of people deprived of liberty convicted of murder obtained a statistically significantly higher mean for the short-term planning subscale and lower for the extraversion, conscientiousness and emotional stability subscales. The variability of the score for the thinking pattern specific to short-term planning is due to 59% of the low conscientiousness score F(148,149) = 9.32, p < .05, and in turn the conscientiousness score is explained in proportion to 38% of the negative cognitive pattern score against authority F(148, 149) = 5.79, p < .05 and 33% of that of insensitivity to impact F(148, 149) = 5.02, p < .05. At the same time, the conscientiousness score explains 35% of the emotional stability score F(148, 149) = 81.69, p < .01. Conclusions. The specialized intervention regarding social reintegration intended for this category of people requires a careful orientation towards assuming social norms, emotional balancing, adaptation in society, previewing the consequences and developing the ability to make long-term plans. Keywords: murder, criminogenic cognition, personality traits, specific intervention.

Obiectives. This systematic review aimed to explore the relationship between low self-control and risky behaviors, in order to identify prophylactic and interventional measures to reduce the dangers to which some adolescents may be exposed. Material and methods. Using the APA PsycNet and PubMed platforms, studies that investigated the link between self-control and risk were sought. Of the 2707 articles initially obtained, it was opted for studies in English, with the average age of the participants between 14-21 years old. Results. The 61 selected articles revealed seven categories of risks associated with a low level of self-regulation: substance use – 28 studies, aggressive manifestation – 13 studies, delinquency – 10 studies, risky sexual behaviors – 8 studies, living the situation of a victim – 4 studies, gambling – 2 studies, other risky behaviors (consumption of unhealthy foods, compulsive manifestations, executive dysfunctions, etc.) – 9 studies. Some authors have shown that self-control can hold both a mediator and a moderator role between certain predictors and risky behaviors. Also, the relationship between self-control and risky behaviors can be influenced by intermediate variables: substance use, volume of the left orbitofrontal cortex (mediators); school climate (moderator). Five studies indicated that boys showed less self-control capacity than girls, and two other studies showed the opposite. Conclusions. Designing and implementing some individual and group intervention programs, with a focus on acquiring behavioral control skills, can be useful in preventing risky behaviors in adolescents, especially substance use, aggressive manifestations, delinquency, etc. It is also important that the management of one’s own emotions be learned from pre-adolescence, the involvement of parents being essential in this psycho-educational approach. Keywords: self-control; adolescence; impulsivity; risky behaviors.