Efficacy of the MMPI-A in detecting trauma among delinquent youth: cross-validation of the Trauma Scale for Juvenile Offenders (TSJO)

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – Adolescent (MMPI-A) is a widely researched personality assessment in psychology. However, the utility of the MMPI-A for detecting trauma among juvenile offenders is limited. A 17-item measure – Trauma Scale for Juvenile Offenders (TSJO) was examined to evaluate the trauma detection accuracy of the MMPI-A among juvenile offenders and provide preliminary validation for the TSJO. To determine the diagnostic utility of MMPI-A clinical scales, mean comparisons were conducted and significant scales were retained in a hierarchical logistic regression. To examine the diagnostic accuracy of the TSJO, the total score was included in the hierarchical model. TSJO cross tabulations were computed for the cutoff score. Mean comparisons by trauma group revealed Pa, Pt, Sc, and Si clinical scale differences. Regression output indicated statistical accuracy, but with limited clinical utility. Results showed moderate trauma detection accuracy (63.4%) of the TSJO cutoff. Findings provide limited support for using MMPI-A clinical scales in isolation when evaluating juvenile offenders for trauma. However, results provide empirical support for the TSJO as a valid measure for detecting trauma for this population.