NCJ Number
104166
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1986) Pages: 347-365
Date Published
1986
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The predictive validity of an empirically derived, MMPI-based offender classification system was evaluated in a medium-security State facility.
Abstract
Incoming MMPI data were obtained for 495 male inmates, who were then assigned to one of 10 categories or to an unclassified group using the computer program and clinical guidelines developed by Megargee and his colleagues. Behavioral measures of institutional adjustment (e.g., nights spent in correctional cell) during the first six months of incarceration served as the dependent variables, and a 2 x 7 (race by Megargee group) multivariate analysis was employed to investigate adjustment differences between the seven largest MMPI-based groups. Consistent with the results of previous studies, the classification system proved to be generalizable to a state population, with 92 percent of the inmates assigned to one of the 10 categories. While between-groups differences in adjustment were observed, the most noteworthy finding was that these manifested themselves only among the white offenders, raising questions regarding the system's applicability to nonwhite populations. (Publisher abstract)