Comparative analysis of prevalence of the narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder in a Prison Sample in Kenya

Ngunjiri, Rachel Ngima and Waiyaki, Winnie (2025) Comparative analysis of prevalence of the narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder in a Prison Sample in Kenya. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 16 (1). pp. 751-762. ISSN 2582-8185

Studies show that personality disorders are highly prevalent in prisons. However, it is necessary to explore which disorders are most prevalent, particularly in Kenya where there is a scarcity of relevant studies. Accordingly, this study sought to determine which was more prevalent between ASPD and NPD and to identify the crimes represented by each personality disorder. The sample size for this study was 325, with 237 inmates (72.9% response rate) successfully completing the assessments. The study found that the prevalence of ASPD was 36.3% while that of NPD was 68.8%, demonstrating a significant difference (p<0.05). Additionally, 17.9% of inmates met criteria for both ASPD and NPD simultaneously, while 82.1% did not present with this dual diagnosis. Chi-square test of independence revealed that the ASPD+NPD comorbidity (17.9%) was statistically significant when compared to ASPD alone (χ² = 18.45, p = 0.018) and NPD alone (χ² = 123.67, p = 0.002), indicating that dual diagnosis represents a distinct clinical population. Crime distribution analysis revealed that sexual offenses were the predominant category, accounting for 46.40% of cases, followed by violent crimes (16.90%) and robbery (11.80%). Statistical analysis showed significant associations between both personality disorders and crime distribution patterns, with ASPD (p = 0.018) and NPD (p = 0.019) both demonstrating non-random distribution across crime categories. The comorbidity analysis revealed that the 17.9% dual-diagnosis population represents a substantial group with complex psychological presentations requiring specialized interventions. Extensive comorbidities were observed among inmates with both personality disorders, indicating multifaceted psychological profiles that require comprehensive assessment and treatment approaches. The study concludes that in the Kenyan prison population, NPD is significantly more prevalent than ASPD, contrary to international trends. The dual diagnosis group constitutes a statistically distinct population that differs significantly from single disorder presentations, suggesting unique clinical characteristics requiring specialized treatment approaches. These personality disorders manifest in different patterns of criminal behavior and comorbidity profiles, with sexual offenses being the predominant crime category across both disorders. The 17.9% dual-diagnosis population represents the most psychologically complex cases requiring intensive interventions, as they present with compounded pathology combining features of both disorders. Recommendations include implementing specialized treatment approaches for inmates with NPD, developing culturally-sensitive assessment tools, and conducting further research into the cultural factors that may contribute to the high prevalence of narcissistic traits in this population. These results are pertinent for prison authorities and other stakeholders in their rehabilitation and corrective efforts.