Offence associated proactive, reactive, and acquisitive attributions that inform theory, assessment, and intervention

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the reliability and validity of proactive (cold-blooded, instrumental), reactive (hot-blooded, affective), and acquisitive (securing goods of others) crime-related attributional domains associated with specific offence-based categories. Using samples from minimum security (n = 116), medium security (n = 102) and parole (n = 116), construct validity of the Proactive, Reactive, and Acquisitive scales was assessed with response latencies, criterion validity with past offending, and predictive validity with future offending. Response latencies for endorsed items discriminated better between the Proactive and Reactive scales than between the Reactive and Acquisitive scales. The Proactive, Reactive, and Acquisitive scales had stronger relationships with their corresponding offense category that with non-corresponding scale and offence-based category. The Acquisitive scale uniquely predicted acquisitive offences. The results support a basic distinction between the Proactive, Reactive, and Acquisitive scales. Implications of the results include using skill-based intervention methods for elevated Proactive scores, affective-based interventions for elevated Reactive scores, and rational choice techniques for elevated Acquisitive scores.