The present study provided norms and recidivism rates on the MMPI and selected experimental scales for a sample of young English-speaking offenders in the province of Ontario. Data gathered in the study confirmed a need for an updating of MMPI and selected experimental scale norms on correctional samples. Specific changes in delinquents' MMPI norms were noted and compared to norms gathered on psychiatric samples in Ontario. The adequacy of psychological tests, in particular the MMPI and the selected experimental scales, in predicting recidivism was discussed. At best, the scales in the present study were mediocre predictors of recidivism and the MMPI fared relatively poorly in comparison to some of the selected experimental scales.
Aftercare is a critical component of a woman's support system after she leaves prison. Strategies that improve access to community aftercare are imperative for improving the life chances and health of these women.
The measurement of violent behavior presents serious challenges for research on violence. In the current article, we present initial tests of the construct validity of scores on the Violent Behavior Vignette Questionnaire (VBVQ), which consists of a series of interpersonal conflict vignettes with response options in a multiple-choice format designed to measure current violent behavior. Violent responses on the initial version of the VBVQ generally corresponded to independent indicators of physical aggressiveness and violent behavior among male university students, men in the community, and incarcerated male offenders. We then refined the VBVQ and again tested the validity of its scores in new samples of men in the community and incarcerated male offenders. In both samples, men who selected a violent response option on the VBVQ generally had much higher levels of physical aggressiveness and violent behavior than did men who selected non-violent response options. However, VBVQ responses were not associated with the number of violent offenses in offenders’ official criminal records. Our findings provide some support for the use of the VBVQ in lab and correctional/forensic research, but further research is required to determine whether it offers advantages over other measures.
We appreciate the assistance of Sudha Mehta, John Krzyzewski and Paul Gutoskie with the data collection and preparation.Requests for reprints should be sent to Brian A
Changes in self-esteem during incarceration and self-esteem measured shortly after entry to prison and prior to release were predictive of recidivism two years after release. Results confirmed the assumption that the assessment and treatment of self-esteem in correctional settings is important because the variable is related to postprison adjustment. Self-esteem measured prior to release was the best predictor of recidivism. The multiple regression R was .63. The discriminant function analysis found a classification hit rate for recidivism of 82.4%. The results provided several suggestions for correctional clinicians concerned with the diagnosis of self-esteem, particularly in relation to recidivism. In addition, the potency of self-esteem as a predictor of recidivism was discussed.
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