MMPI-A and Dissociative Experiences Scale Responses of Violent and Non-Violent Youth Offenders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Thirty male residents, ranging in age from 15 to 18 from a youth development center (correctional) campus, completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). The subjects were grouped according to offense(s) with two specific groups identified-violent and non-violent. Eighteen males were placed in the violent category and 12 males were placed in the non-violent category. Independent samples t-tests revealed significant differences between the MMPI-A scores of Violent and Non-Violent offenders on the following scales: Back (F2), Validity (F), Lie (L), Obsessiveness (Obs), Social Discomfort (SOD), School Problems (SCH), and Alcohol/Drug Proneness (PRO). In addition, a number of significant correlations between DES scores and several MMPI-A clinical and extended scales were detected among both the Violent and Non-Violent participants. The results are consistent with limited previous research and are suggestive of psychopathology among violent offenders. Recommendations for future research and treatment issues are also discussed.