Use of the PCL-R and PAI to predict release outcome in inmates undergoing forensic evaluation

Abstract

A group of 91 inmates previously administered the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised (PCL-R) and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and released from custody were followed to determine whether the total, Factor 1, and Factor 2 scores of the PCL-R and the antisocial features and aggression scales of the PAI predicted release outcome. Whereas all but Factor 1 of the PCL-R correlated with a dichotomous measure of subsequent arrest, only the PCL-R Factor 2 score and PAI antisocial and aggression scales successfully predicted recidivism after age, education, race, and prior arrests were controlled for in a two-step logistic regression analysis. Further investigation confirmed the incremental validity of the two PAI scales and the PCL-R Factor 2 score relative to the PCL-R total score and PCL-R Factor 1 score, respectively. The practical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed.