Relationship of Risk, Needs, and Personality Classification Systems and Prison Adjustment

• NCJ Number: 114835
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 454-471
• Author(s): K N Wright
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 18 pages
• Grant Number(s): 83-IJ-CX-0011
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study compares different inmate classification systems -- risk assessment, Megargee's MMPI typology, and Toch's Prison Preference Inventory -- to determine which best distinguishes inmates who experience adjustment problems.

Abstract

Findings indicated that none of the three schemes is clearly superior. Each possesses its own advantages and disadvantages. Interestingly, risk assessment distinguished inmates who receive institutional recognition as experiencing some problem. It differentiated inmates cited for aggressive disciplinary infractions and those who report to sick call. The Megargee and Toch systems distinguish inmates who reported they experienced adjustment problems. (Author abstract)