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Classification System for Male Youthful Offenders Based on the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) (From Mental Health for the Convicted Offender Patient and Prisoner, P 35-60, 1977 - See NCJ-72844)

NCJ Number
72847
Author(s)
E I Megargee
Date Published
1977
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The first steps in the development of a classification system for male youthful offenders based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are described.
Abstract
The research, which began in 1969, was designed to determine (1) whether the MMPI profiles of youthful offenders age 18-27 years fall into distinct groups or clusters; (2) if any distinct groups found are reliable; (3) if it is possible for a clinician to sort individual MMPI profiles into determined groups; (4) whether the groups can be operationally defined so that other clinicians, or even a computer, can sort individual MMPIs reliably and validly; (5) whether groups differ significantly on other variables; (6) if clear implications for treatment exist; and (7) whether developed treatment is effective. Thus far, positive answers have been found for the first five questions. Study data were derived from the MMPI data available on about 5,500-6,000 offenders, 1,344 of whom were studied intensively. Methodology and outcome are described for the study of each of the first five aforementioned issues. Six apparently homogeneous groups of offenders were developed from the MMPI data. Basic characteristics of each of the groups are described. From this point, the groups will be delineated further, and treatments deemed appropriate for each group will be prescribed. Tabular and graphic data are supplied.