Subtle differences in executive functions and social cognition among first-time offenders, repeat offenders, and controls in Colombia

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess whether there are differences in certain measures of executive functions and social cognition when comparing a group of first-time offenders, a group of repeat offenders, and a control group. Material and methods: This study was conducted with a sample of 105 inmates from a Colombian prison and a control group of 45 individuals who were not incarcerated and had no criminal history. The 105 inmates were classified into two groups: first-time offenders (n = 76) and repeat offenders (n = 29). Three screening tests, three neuropsychological tests to assess executive functions, and two social cognition tests were administered. Results: Statistically significant differences were found only in the WAIS Working Memory test. Both the first-time offender and repeat offender groups scored lower than the control group in the Mini SEA test (disgust, total score, and negative emotions). First-time offender and repeat offender groups had lower scores than the control group in some tasks of Empathy for Pain Task. Conclusions: Only subtle differences in executive function and social cognition were observed when comparing the three cohorts. It is highly probable that a comparison of the groups based on the severity of the offense will be required to discern additional differences.