Are Internalizing Symptoms Associated with Criminal Behavior in Married Couples?

This study examined the relationship between internalizing symptoms and criminal behavior in married couples. Our study hypothesized that individuals who have engaged in criminal behavior will have higher levels of internalizing symptoms, specifically social anxiety, generalized depression, traumatic intrusions, and panic. Survey questions about internalizing symptoms along with questions regarding criminal behavior were used. 114 heterosexual couples, 18 and older, were used for the sample. Analyses were conducted by grouping the participant's responses according to a 1-5 Likert and a True or False scale. Currently, minimal research is done to understand the relationship between internalizing symptoms and criminal behavior in married couples. This study will provide new insight into this relationship.