Predicting Recidivism in Adolescent Males Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory A and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children
Small subsets of first time criminal offenders go on to commit additional crimes. For some, the number of crimes committed can be quite great. It is believed to be the case that a small group of "recidivists" commits a majority of crime. A number of methods to detect who is likely to recidivate have been suggested, but there is no present consensus as to a best method. As recidivism is a low base rate event, it is difficult to predict. A brief overview of these methods is provided. Then, a novel method for detecting recidivism is outlined and examined. In this method one determines cut offs based on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory A K Scale (MMPIA) and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children post Traumatic Stress Scale (TSCC) are used to predict recidivism. It is suggested that the MMPIA K Scale measures not only defensiveness but also ego strength and openness to treatment. It is further suggested that those with poor ego strength or who are overly defended, with the presence of unresolved trauma (as measured by the TSCC PTS scale) are more likely to recidivate. Results indicate that this method does not map well to a linear model, but that it is an effective method to detect recidivism in this sample. A comparison to other similar methods is provided and the ramifications and limitations of this study are discussed. Degree Type Dissertation Rights Terms of use for work posted in CommonKnowledge. This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http:/commons.pacificu.edu/spp/104 Copyright and terms of use If you have downloaded this document directly from the web or from CommonKnowledge, see the "Rights" section on the previous page for the terms of use. If you have received this document through an interlibrary loan/document delivery service, the following terms of use apply: Copyright in this work is held by the author(s) You may download or print any portion of this document for personal use only, or for any use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, SS107 U.S.C. Except for personal or fair use, you or your borrowing library may not reproduce, remix, republish, post, transmit, or distribute this document, or any portion thereof, without the permission of the copyright owner. [Note: If this document is licensed under a Creative Commons license (see "Rights" on the previous page) which allows broader usage rights, your use is governed by the terms of that license. Inquiries regarding further use of these materials should be addressed to: CommonKnowledge Rights, Pacific University Library, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, (503) 352 7209. Email inquiries may be directed to: copyright@pacificu.edu This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http:/commons.pacificu.edu/spp/104 PREDICTING RECIDIVISM IN ADOLESCENT MALES USING THE MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY A AND THE TRAUMA SYMPTOM CHECKLIST FOR CHILDREN A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY PACIFIC UNIVERSITY HILLSBORO, OREGON BY MIGUEL KELLER HIDALGO BARNES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY DECEMBER 21, 2009 APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE: Daniel S. McKitrick, Ph.D Steven L. Henry, Psy.D PROFESSOR AND DEAN: Michel Hersen, Ph.D. ABP