Recidivism, Perceived Problem-Solving Abilities, MMPI Characteristics, and Violence - A Study of Black and White Incarcerated Male Adult Offenders

• NCJ Number: 97897
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Psychology Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1985) Pages: 425-432
• Author(s): J C Ingram; P Marchioni; G Hill; E Caraveo-Ramos; B McNeil
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Recidivism, perceived problemsolving abilities, type of offense, and personality characteristics are compared in a cross-cultural analysis of an incarcerated male population.

Abstract

Twenty black males and 32 white males were selected systematically from inmate populations. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), special scales, and the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), scales were administered and analyzed. Recidivists scored significantly higher than nonrecidivists on the impulsive scale of the Problem-Solving Inventory. Black recidivists generated significantly higher scores on the MMPI F scale (confusion) than did black or white nonrecidivists. The PD scale reported a significant main effect for type of offense. Offenders incarcerated for violent crimes scored higher on the PD scale (psychopathic deviate) than the nonviolent criminals. It is concluded that the MMPI and the PSI are useful instruments for discriminating between nonviolent and violent individuals. Tabular data and 33 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)