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.

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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