Jesness Inventory Research Articles

Avaliação em delinquência juvenil: validade convergente e de critério do Inventário de Jesness - revisado - brasileiro - reduzido

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze evidence of convergent and concurrent criterion validity of the scales of the short form of the Jesness Inventory - Revised - Brazilian version. A sample of 597 male adolescents, aged between 12 and 20 years, participated in the study. The evidence of convergent validity obtained indicates that most scales would have maintained their interpretive meaning in the short form. They also indicated the need for further investigations on the Immaturity scale. The concurrent criterion validity suggests that high scores on the scales can differentiate adolescents based on both criteria, Judicialization and Frequency of self-reported delinquency in the last 12 months. Investment in standardized and brief instruments can drive the development of evidence-based practices in the juvenile justice system and, for this, a research agenda is presented.

Criminal Behavior and Psychosocial Risk Factors in Brazilian Adolescent Offenders: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis.

Considering that adolescent offenders are quite a heterogeneous group in terms of behavioral and psychosocial variables, it is considered that a typological approach can assist in the systematization of these differences, aiming at a better understanding of the phenomenon and at clearer guidance in terms of interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the behavioral and psychosocial profiles of male adolescent offenders, based on empirical data collected in a Brazilian sociocultural context. The profiles were made with a sample of 400 adolescent offenders to perform an exploratory latent classes analysis. The instruments used in data collection were the Youth Behavior Questionnaire (Questionário de Comportamentos Juvenis, QCJ) and the Brazilian Jesness Inventory—Revised (Inventário Jesness-Revisado-Brasileiro, IJ-R-Br). The most appropriate model was that of four classes, with the profiles found indicating differences between the adolescent offenders both in relation to psychological functioning and criminal pattern, as well as the psychosocial risk/protective factors associated with each of the profiles. These findings, in addition to contributing to understanding the phenomenon, may help to reflect on the assessments required to assist in judicial decision-making processes and the customized proposal of psychosocial interventions.

Social Maladjustment and Criminal Behavior Pattern Changes in Adolescents in Conflict with the Law

Abstract Personality aspects that present a risk for criminal conducts are susceptible to changes. This study aimed to identify the profile of adolescents in conflict with the law based on the Social Maladjustment (SM) construct, to describe patterns of criminal conducts, and to verify the continuity and change on these variables, in a longitudinal prospective study. A sample of 78 adolescents answered to the Jesness Inventory - revised in Brazil and to the Questionnaire of Youth Behaviors, at two collection times (W1 and W2). The profiles were identified with latent class growth analysis and the behavior patterns were compared with Student’s t test. Two classes were obtained: High SM and Normative SM. At W1, SM high scores were associated to high frequency in the perpetration of crimes and both classes had lower SM at W2. The results point to the possibility of changes in SM and in conduct over time.

Aspectos de Personalidade em Adolescentes Infratores Violentos e Não Violentos segundo Inventário de Jesness: Um Estudo Comparativo

Aspectos de Personalidade em Adolescentes Infratores Violentos e Não Violentos segundo Inventário de Jesness: Um Estudo Comparativo

Psychological Profiles of Brazilian Adolescent Offenders

AbstractThe present study verified the existence of psychological profiles among Brazilian adolescent offenders, using data from a sample (n=858) collected with the Brazilian version of the Revised Jesness Inventory (JI-R-Br). This instrument is a comprehensive, self-report measure of personal dispositions (traits) that are associated with vulnerability to antisocial behavior (Impulsivity, Aggression/Hostility, Sensation Seeking) and adaptive patterns (Antisocial Values/Beliefs and Antisocial Attitudes). Cluster analyses showed three significantly distinct groups: group 1 (n=276), called Asocial, was comprised of impulsive/aggressive adolescents with high antisocial motivation, low self-control and very focused on their own needs. Group 2 (n=346), called Neurotic Antisocial, was comprised of adolescents with high rates of depression and anxiety, as well as low self-control, but with less antisocial motivation when compared with group 1. Group 3 (n=236) was similar to group 4 (normative group;n=572). Our results corroborate those described by other studies in the literature. They show the importance of different practices and/or interventions when working with offenders, given that there are different profiles based on different psychological characteristics/needs for this population.

Psychological Assessment of Adolescent Offenders: Validity of the Brazilian Jesness Inventory–Revised

AbstractThis work presents validation of the Jesness Inventory, particularly its revised version, to the Brazilian reality. It was developed by Carl Jesness, based on his clinical experience and research programs for juvenile offenders, to assess juvenile offenders, particularly to understand the functioning of their personality, offering clues to customize psychosocial intervention, and verification of results from this, in terms of changes in adolescents’ beliefs/values and attitudes. Regarding the psychometric properties, the revised version showed an adequate internal consistency and temporal stability. For the evidence of validity, the results of the concurrent criterion and simultaneous validity were in agreement with those found in other studies, emphasizing the specific capacities of this instrument to distinguish adolescent offenders from non-offenders and properly classify them, denoting its quality in helping the diagnostic process. Research to verify predictive and construct validity is being carried out.

Incorporating the Jesness Inventory-Revised (JI-R) in a Best-Practice Model of Juvenile Delinquency Assessments

ABSTRACTThis article examines use of the Jesness Inventory-Revised (JI-R) in the juvenile delinquency assessment context. The JI-R was identified by Hoge and Andrews (2010) among several standardized personality tests that are useful as part of a best-practice comprehensive juvenile forensic assessment. The JI-R is particularly relevant in forensic contexts with respect to identifying personality characteristics associated with juvenile delinquency. It is proposed that the JI-R can be integrated into the contemporary risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model of correctional assessment and rehabilitative programming and its application for juvenile delinquents. Studies suggest that the Jesness Inventory may identify an antisocial orientation dimension associated with dynamic risk-need factors in youths that influence criminal or delinquent behavior and that can be targeted for intervention. The JI-R also assesses internalizing psychological problems that may identify responsivity factors relevant for disposition and treatment planning in forensic contexts. This article identifies some technical limitations of the JI-R, including the issue of item overlap. The questionable effectiveness of this instrument in detecting response bias, especially underreporting, is also considered. Directions for future research are suggested.

Identifying Areas of Specific Responsivity in Cognitive–Behavioral Treatment Outcomes

This study examines the impact of offenders’ psychological and demographic attributes and their offense history on the effectiveness of Reasoning and Rehabilitation, a cognitive–behavioral intervention. Differential effects were examined for a sample of 940 male parolees randomly assigned to either experimental or comparison conditions. The study used survival analysis to test interactions between treatment and age, race, social class, risk, marital status, prearrest employment status, education, prior violence, interpersonal maturity level, personality, reading level, and IQ. For the entire sample, the difference in recidivism rates (returns to prison up to 33 months) was not statistically significant. The analysis of differential effects, however, uncovered five interaction effects. The treated high-risk, aged 28 to 32 years, assessed as dependent (Jesness Inventory [JI]), and White groups evidenced lower recidivism rates than their comparison group. The treated parolee group assessed with high anxiety (JI) evidenced a higher recidivism rate than their comparison group.

Recidivism Among a White-Collar Sample: Does Personality Matter?

With the exception of correctional research, the role of personality has been understudied in criminology in general and in the study of white-collar crime in particular. The usefulness of personality has typically been restricted to use as a diagnostic tool in differentiating among offenders for correctional classification purposes. The current research focuses on a sample of white-collar offenders who were convicted in federal courts to explain what role personality plays in explaining their rates of recidivism. Using the Jesness Inventory as a measure of personality, findings reveal that personality type is a significant predictor of offender recidivism with neurotic personality type significantly predicting probability of rearrest.

Personality, Criminal Behavior, and Risk Assessment

The present study explores the relationship between personality and long-term recidivism. A longitudinal design is used that examines recidivism rates for a cohort of federal prison inmates during a period of 10 to 12 years. The study explores whether personality, as measured by the Jesness Inventory, is related to recidivism, defined as any new arrest and arrest for a specific charge including drugs, property offenses, or violence. The Jesness Inventory types are collapsed into four groups: neurotics, aggressives, dependents, and situationals. Findings from the survival analysis indicate that personality (e.g., neurotics and aggressives) is related to recidivism. The analysis pertaining to type of charge concludes that personality (e.g., neurotics) is significant in the models predicting drug offenses. The research explores whether corrections should extend personality research beyond its traditional focus (e.g., responsivity) to a greater consideration of personality as a risk factor.

Updating the Jesness Inventory Randomness ValidityScales for the Jesness Inventory–Revised

I updated 2 previously developed randomness scales for the Jesness Inventory (Jesness, 1983)—the Jesness Variable Response Inconsistency scale (J–VRIN) and the Variable Response scale (J–VR)—for the Jesness Inventory–Revised (Jesness–R; Jesness, 2003). I investigated efficacies for those 2 scales and a 3rd randomness scale described in the Jesness–R manual, the Randomness scale (J–RR), by comparing 76 protocols of delinquents, ages 13 to 17 years, screened for probable randomness with a matched-pair MMPI–Adolescent (Butcher et al., 1992) or a Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (Millon, Millon, & Davis, 1993), with 100 all-random protocols, and 40 partially random protocols. J–VRIN and J–VR in conjunction successfully detected 98% of the all-random protocols and 83% of the partially random protocols. J–RR successfully detected 19% and 10%, respectively. I report predictive power and overall effectiveness for base rates of .10 and .20.

Adolescent et agresseur sexuel : bilan d’une recherche

The purpose of this research project was to gain a better knowledge of juvenile sex offenders in the Montreal area. Do they present differences or similarities with other subjects from studies made in the United States? Can we improve our assessment techniques to better differentiate those who should be treated in a closed setting from those who could benefit from a follow-up in the community? And how does our juvenile justice system deal with this type of offender? In order to find answers to these issues, ten (10) in-depth interviews with personality measures were conducted with juveniles who admitted (or were convicted of) sexual abuse. Moreover, a study of fifty (50) files from the Social Services relating to the same kind of behavior was done in the Montreal area. Our results are similar to other studies made elsewhere : those who where convicted of rape or child molesting committed their first (official) offense at a mean age of 14.5 years and 60 % of their victims were females of an average age of 9. For 38 % of our sample, the sexual offense is part of an heterogenous criminal career. Our personnality measures failed to differentiate between child molesters and rapists. However, on the Jesness Inventory, our ten subjects had high scores on the SM (Social Maladjustment) scale, and on AI (Asocial Index). One other significant finding was that the personnel involved with assessment and treatment of juvenile sex offenders had to get a better knowledge of the dynamics involved with such offenses to record basic information (victim's age, the exact nature of the behavior and the type of violence involved) and recommend appropriate treatment.

Reliability and Validity of Rorschach Aggression Variables With a Sample of Adjudicated Adolescents

In this investigation, we assessed the reliability and validity of 5 Rorschach aggression variables (AG, A1, A2, AgC, and AgPast) in a sample of adjudicated, mostly conduct-disordered adolescents (N = 150). More specifically, we assessed the interrelationships of Rorschach aggression variables using correlational analyses and factor analysis and assessed the relationships between Rorschach variables and a measure of aggressive potential (the Manifest Aggression scale from the Jesness Inventory; Jesness, 1996) as well as a measure of real-world aggression/violence (the Violence Rating Scale–Revised [VRS–R]; Young, Justice, & Erdberg, 1997). Two of Gacono and Meloy's (1994) Rorschach aggression variables were dropped from the study (AgPot and SM) due to a low frequency of occurrence. All 5 of the remaining Rorschach aggression variables and the VRS–R were rated reliably, and factor analysis of the Rorschach variables revealed 2 distinct factors accounting for 71% of the total variance. Only the AgC variable concurrently predicted aggressive potential and aggressive/violent behavior. Results lend further support for the inclusion of AgC in the Comprehensive System's (Exner, 1993) list of Special Scores.

Detecting random, partially random, and nonrandom Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--Adolescent Protocols.

The ability of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A; J. N. Butcher et al., 1992) validity scales to detect random, partially random, and nonrandom MMPI-A protocols was investigated. Investigations included the Variable Response Inconsistency scale (VRIN), F, several potentially useful new F and VRIN subscales, and formulas F-sub-2 - F-sub-1 and F + F-sub-2 + |F - F-sub-2|. Protocols completed by 150 adolescents at a juvenile court setting, screened for randomness with a matched-pair Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) or Jesness Inventory, were compared with 100 computer-generated, all-random protocols, and with 5 levels of partially random protocols. VRIN was the most effective scale in detecting all-random protocols; however, the optimum cutoff of >or= 75 failed to identify 1/3 of them. Using the new scales, a decision algorithm was described that correctly classified 94%-95% of protocols as interpretable, partially interpretable, or uninterpretable.

Ecological Factors in Recidivism

ABSTRACT This study investigated recidivism among 480 male graduates, aged 16 to 40 years, of a boot camp in the south. Recidivism was defined as days survived in the community without returning to the Department of Correction (DOC) in a 3-year follow-up study. Fifty-eight percent returned to the DOC during the study period. Predictors included sociodemographic variables, scales on the Jesness Inventory, self-esteem, resilience, peer association and influence, future expectations, and several factors relating to perceptions of the boot camp experience. Among the strongest predictors of recidivism were inmates' perceptions of boot camp as merely an expedient avenue to early release, future expectations of success, resilience, and several personality traits measured by the Jesness Inventory in addition to more commonly used measures of age at first arrest, prior criminal history, and peer association and influence. Implications of the findings for policy and decision-making were discussed.

Differentiating violent from nonviolent female offenders using the Jesness inventory

Research has shown that the Jesness Inventory is an objective personality instrument capable of distinguishing delinquents from non-delinquents. However, only limited studies have used the Jesness to study female offenders. Results of the present study suggest that the Jesness Inventory differentiates between violent and nonviolent female adolescent offenders, but scales which differentiate between the groups are not in the predicted direction. This suggests that nonviolent females are actually more delinquent in orientation than violent females. Based on socialization theory, the authors speculate that nonviolent offenders may be provoked by emotionally charged conflict rather than by a delinquent orientation. Nonviolent offenders, on the other hand, may have greater levels of depressive symptomatology which serves to inhibit the expression of violence and assaultive behaviors. In light of the unexpected results, directions for future research are discussed.

Recidivism Among Adolescent Serious Offenders

This is a 2-year follow-up study of 414 adolescents, age 17 years, to determine what static and dynamic factors predict recidivism or entry into the correctional system for adults. The strongest predictor is prior incarcerations, followed by age persons started committing crime, gang membership, age they started using alcohol/drugs, their MMPIpd scores, and chemical abuse score. The denial and asocial subscales of the Jesness Inventory and all the subscales of the Carlson Psychological Inventory are significantly associated with recidivism. Implications of the study are discussed.

Efficacy of the Three Randomness Validity Scales for the Jesness Inventory

Efficacies of the three randomness validity scales for the Jesness Inventory were investigated: the Jesness Variable Response Inconsistency scale (J-VRIN), the Variable Response scale (VR), and the Randomness scale (RD). Effectiveness was assessed by comparing the protocols of 93 male and 45 female delinquents ages 14 to 18 years screened for probable randomness, with a matched-pair MMPI-Adolescent with 500 computer-generated all- and half-random protocols. With the all-random set, for specificities of .90 or higher, scales showed sensitivities as high as .95 (VR), .90 (J-VRIN), and .14 (RD). With the half-random protocol, set sensitivities were .74 (VR), .70 (J-VRIN), and .07 (RD). Predictive power and overall effectiveness are reported for base rates of .20, .10, .067, and .05.

A Variable Response Inconsistency Scale and a True Response Inconsistency Scale for the Jesness Inventory.

Inconsistent item pair Variable Response Inconsistency (J-VRIN) and True Response Inconsistency (J-TRIN) scales were developed for the Jesness Inventory using 250 male and 250 female delinquents, ages 14-18, to detect the random and acquiescent sets. J-VRIN utility was assessed by comparing protocols of 262 male delinquents, ages 14-18, screened for probable randomness with matched-pair Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent, with 500 all and part random computer-generated protocols. J-TRIN utility was assessed by comparing these protocols with 500 simulated acquiescent and nonacquiescent protocols. Specificities above .90 showed sensitivities up to .89 for J-VRIN and .85 and .62 for J-TRIN. Predictive power and overall effectiveness are reported for base rates of.20, .10, .067, and .05. Scales' relations to gender, race, age, and verbal fluency were investigated using an overlapping sample of 1,085 male and 356 female delinquents. Verbal fluency was the most salient.

A Variable Response Inconsistency Scale and a True Response Inconsistency Scale for the Jesness Inventory.

A Variable Response Inconsistency Scale and a True Response Inconsistency Scale for the Jesness Inventory.