This presentation will showcase the first-ever research examining the prevalence and characteristics of psychopathy among incarcerated offenders in Malta, offering a rare glimpse into an area of criminal psychology that has never before been explored in the Maltese context. Drawing on data from 123 randomly selected case files of sentenced offenders between 2020 and 2022, this study provides valuable insights into how psychopathic traits manifest within a highly recidivist and persistent group of offenders.
Findings revealed that over a third of the sample exceeded the psychopathy cut-off on the PCL:SV, suggesting an unusually high rate compared to international norms. Strikingly, 86.2% of the sample had prior convictions, and almost 80% had served multiple prison terms, highlighting entrenched patterns of offending. The research also uncovered moderate associations between elevated psychopathy scores and several well-established risk factors, such as poor educational and employment history, substance misuse, social detachment, and entrenched criminal attitudes. Even more pronounced were the links between higher psychopathy levels, non-compliance with treatment or correctional care plans, and increased institutional misconduct.
These findings not only mirror international research but also raise the possibility of cultural differences contributing to the particularly high incidence observed. The study underscores the pressing need for specialised, evidence-based interventions and correctional strategies tailored to this challenging population.
Join this session to gain fresh insights into the hidden dynamics of psychopathy in Malta’s prison system, its implications for rehabilitation efforts, and how this knowledge can shape more effective offender management practices moving forward.
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Dr Kevin Sammut Henwood
Principle Forensic Psychologist, University of Malta, Malta
Dr Kevin Sammut Henwood is a forensic psychologist with 20 years’ experience working in the field of corrections, offender management and treatment in Malta. He has worked both with incarcerated and community-based offenders. He specialises in the assessment and treatment of violent and sexual offenders and has worked extensively with populations who have serious addiction problems. Dr Sammut Henwood is also involved in staff training and policy development.
Dr Sammut Henwood has extensive experience working on different government appointed boards such as the Malta Psychology Professions Board that regulates the profession of psychology in Malta, the Parole Board and the Sex Offender Treatment Board. He is also a registered court expert on offender management, assessment and interventions.
Dr Sammut Henwood specialised in forensic psychology by pursuing a Masters in Forensic Psychology from the at the University of Surrey. Dr Sammut Henwood furthered his studies by also obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Nottingham. As an academic, Dr Sammut Henwood, has published scientific and peer reviewed studies with renowned journals in the fields of psychology and criminology in the areas of violence and aggression. He holds professional warrants to practice as a psychologist in Malta (Malta Psychology Professions Board) and the UK as he is chartered from the British Psychological Society and holds a registration with the Health Care Professions Council.
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Rianne Psaila
Forensic Psychology Practitioner, Correctional Services Agency, Malta
Ms Rianne Psaila has an extensive work experience with offenders dealing with issues such as anger management, addiction, sexual disorders, personality disorders, anxiety and depression as well as issues of adjustment. She specialises in interventions utilising a cognitive behavioural approach and also has experience carrying out personality assessments, clinical and forensic formulations and other specialised psychometric tools to assess risk and needs that clients might have. As a forensic psychology practitioner, she can bridge the aspects of psychology and legal issues. In fact, apart from completing a Masters in Forensic Psychology with the University of Coventry she also read for and completed a Masters in Criminology with the University of Malta.
In her free time, she enjoys travelling and immersing in different cultural experiences. She also enjoys outdoor activities and long walks in the countryside.
