On the validity of validity scales: the importance of defensive responding in the prediction of institutional misconduct

Psychol Assess. 2006 Jun;18(2):220-4. doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.18.2.220.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of defensive responding on the prediction of institutional misconduct among male inmates (N = 349) who completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (L. C. Morey, 1991). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses demonstrated significant main effects for the Antisocial Features (ANT) scale as well as main effects for the Positive Impression Management (PIM) scale in some instances. Significant ANT x PIM interactions also were evident, particularly when examining recommended cut scores on these scales. These results demonstrate the predictive validity of ANT with prisoners and reinforce the importance of context when considering whether validity scales are in fact valid.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Conduct Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Conduct Disorder / epidemiology
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology
  • Humans
  • Institutionalization*
  • Male
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Adjustment
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*