Over the years, there have been various theories presented in explaining criminal behavior. This study examined the relationship between motivation for offending and personality. In addition, it addresses dispositional aspects in criminality in terms of personality variables. It was hypothesized that there are individual differences in terms of the motivation that lies behind offending and that these differences are related to personality variables. This study was comprised of two samples of students. Sample 1 consisted of 382 college students with an average age of 19 years. Sample 2 consisted of 380 university students from different departments with an average age of 24. Study findings indicate that 73 percent of the persons in both samples committed their most serious offense while in the company of others which highlights the importance of peers groups. Antisocial personality traits were identified as related to certain types of motive for offending, suggesting that persons who score relatively low on the Gough Socialization Scale (study measure) explain their offending more in terms of perceived provocations particularly as a form of taking revenge and they are more motivated by financial gain and excitement. The findings show a relationship between the failure to consider the consequences of one’s criminal act and personality, thereby supporting the suggestion from previous research that persons with antisocial personality traits are prone to not consider the consequences of their actions due to impulsivity, thoughtlessness, or they do not care about the consequences. References