Utility and incremental validity of the MMPI-2 in the prediction of completion of a substance abuse diversion program
Arrests for drug law violations and incarcerations for drug offenses are climbing (FBI, 2006). Such crimes frequently result in criminal prosecution, a deluge of court systems that attempting to adjudicate offenders, and the inundation of federal and state prisons, jails and probation departments. Substance abuse diversion programs were developed to efficiently adjudicate and rehabilitate offenders, and effectively reduce drug abuse, drug-related crime, and recidivism (NIDA, 1999). However, limited research has examined the characteristics that distinguish individuals who complete or do not complete diversion programs. The current study examined the utility of MMPI-2 measures of personality and psychopathology in the prediction of completion of a substance abuse diversion program. MMPI-2 measures were explored in relation to demographic, criminal, substance use, medical, mental health treatment and other variables using t-test and chi-square analyses. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the strongest individual predictors and an optimally weighted combination of MMPI-2 predictors of program completion. Finally, the degree the MMPI-2 added incrementally to non-MMPI-2 measures in the prediction of program completion was examined using linear regression analyses. Study participants included 982 first-time felony drug offenders referred to a Certified Forensic Center for a psychological evaluation to determine eligibility for a substance abuse diversion program in lieu of criminal prosecution. Accepted participants and program completers were more socially and psychologically adjusted, non-minorities, and from higher SES. Completers were more likely to be diagnosed with prescription drug dependence and arrested for related offenses, and had more limited criminal histories than non-completers. They approached the MMPI-2 in a less defensive and exaggerated manner, and were less likely to have problems with externalizing behaviors, impulsivity, and antisocial traits. Finally, they were less likely to endorse symptoms of psychosis or mental illness. Regression analyses indicated that an optimally weighted combination of the RC8, L, RC4, and PSY-5 Introversion scales accounted for 10\% of the variance in program non-completion. In contrast, MMPI-2 measures only accounted for an additional 4\% of the variance in program non-completion after taking in account demographic, history, and treatment variables. However, together non-MMPI-2 and MMPI-2 predictors accounted for approximately 21\% of the variance in program outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)
https://www.upress.umn.edu/test-division/bibliography/2000-2009/2007/oreilly_utility_2007
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Brian P O'Reilly
(2007)
Utility and incremental validity of the MMPI-2 in the prediction of completion of a substance abuse diversion program
PhD thesis.