NCJ Number
185098
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 645-663
Date Published
October 2000
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study explores the properties and construct validity of a new measure of hostility, the Hostile Interpretations Questionnaire (HIQ).
Abstract
One-hundred-forty-six violent offenders incarcerated in a Canadian Federal institution completed a battery of self-report psychometric measures as part of a pre-release psychological assessment. The HIQ had acceptable internal consistency reliability (r=.86) and demonstrated construct validity with relevant anger/hostility measures. The results of this study are among the first to shed light on the issue of response bias in the assessment of anger/hostility. Faking was a significant problem with the pattern of results (i.e., greater for impression management than self-deception), suggesting a deliberate attempt to fake rather than misguided self-appraisal. The HIQ has promise as a measure of hostility among offenders. It is relatively easy to administer, has acceptable psychometric properties, is less corrupted by response bias, and shows construct validity. Researchers are exploring the relationship between the HIQ and treatment amenability and criminal recidivism. Tables, note, references