Correspondence of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) and the Personality Inventory for Youth (PIY) in Juvenile Offenders

• NCJ Number: 221722
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: 2007 Pages: 65-100
• Author(s): Christopher E. Branson M.Ed.; Dewey G. Cornell Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 36 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the correspondence between the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) and the Personality Inventory for Youth (PIY) in a sample of incarcerated juvenile offenders.

Abstract

Findings indicated that the inter-correlations between MACI and PIY were statistically significant. However, diagnostic correspondence between the two instruments was modest. Juvenile offenders suffer from a high rate and wide variety of mental health problems. Accurate assessment of critical symptoms and personality characteristics of juvenile offenders is essential to forensic evaluation and intervention planning for this population. The MACI is a self-report measure developed specifically for use in clinical, residential, and correctional settings. The PIY developed as a multidimensional self-report measure, evaluating the emotional and behavioral adjustment of children and adolescents. Self-report measures have become increasingly popular in the diagnosis of children and adolescents. Their popularity stems in part from an ability to gather information from adolescents that parents, teachers, and clinicians often miss. Children are more likely than other informants to report internalizing behaviors. Self-report measures are also valued for using a multidimensional approach that allows for the diagnosis of comorbid disorders. Self-report measures are quick, efficient, and cost-effective. Youth self-description, regardless of problems that have been documented for this source of information, still represents the most direct and accurate expression of personal thoughts and feelings. In light of these purported advantages, it is important to compare the results from different self-report instruments so that clinicians can make well-informed choices in deciding which ones to use. The sample consisted of 105 male juvenile offenders between the ages of 13 and 18 who had recently been admitted to the Reception and Diagnostic Center of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. Tables, notes, references