DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the relationship between impulsivity and risk perception in convicts and to examine gender differences in these variables within the Pakistani context.

Methodology

A quantitative study employing purposive sampling of 254 convicts (185 male, 69 female) aged 18-65 from District Jail and Central Jail Kot Lakhpat, Lahore. Impulsivity was measured using the Short UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale (SUPPS), and risk perception was assessed using the Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaire (ARQ), both translated into Urdu. Non-parametric tests (Spearman-Brown correlation, Mann-Whitney U test) and regression analysis were used due to non-normal distribution of impulsivity.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Recruit Purposive Sample of Convicts"] --> B["Administer Urdu Versions of SUPPS and ARQ"];
    B --> C["Data Cleaning and Outlier Exclusion"];
    C --> D["Normality Test"];
    D --> E["Non-parametric Tests"Spearman-Brown, Mann-Whitney U""];
    D --> F["Parametric Tests"Regression Analysis""];
    E --> G["Analyze Results"];
    F --> G;
    G --> H["Draw Conclusions and Discuss Findings"];                    

Discussion

The findings suggest that higher impulsivity is associated with lower risk perception among convicts. While previous literature often indicates higher impulsivity in males, this study found no such difference. The lower risk perception in female convicts, despite similar impulsivity levels, is discussed in relation to their specific criminal offenses (e.g., murder of family members) and potential cultural factors like domestic violence. The study supports the moderating role of gender in the impulsivity-risk perception relationship.

Key Findings

A significant negative correlation was found between impulsivity and risk perception. Significant differences in risk perception were observed between genders, with female convicts exhibiting lower risk perception than male convicts. No significant gender differences were found in impulsivity. Gender moderated the relationship between impulsivity and risk perception.

Conclusion

The study confirms that impulsivity is negatively related to risk perception in Pakistani convicts, and gender moderates this relationship. Female convicts perceive less risk than males, though their impulsivity levels are comparable. These findings have implications for developing targeted treatment and psycho-educational programs in correctional settings and for the general public to manage impulsivity and enhance risk perception.

Fact Check

- A sample of 254 convicts was analyzed after discarding 53 questionnaires and excluding 5 cases.
- The Short UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale had a Cronbach's alpha of .70 for its Urdu version.
- The Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaire had an overall Cronbach's alpha of .90 for its Urdu version.

Mind Map