Volume 41, Issue 3 pp. 425-432
Behavior Disorders and Antisocial Behavior
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Recidivism, perceived Problem-Solving abilities, MMPI characteristics, and violence: A study of black and white incarcerated male adult offenders

Jesse C. Ingram

Corresponding Author

Jesse C. Ingram

Bishop College

Bishop College, 3837 Simpson-Stuart Road, Dallas, Texas 75137Search for more papers by this author
Perry Marchioni

Perry Marchioni

Texas Tech University

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George Hill

George Hill

Texas Tech University

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Eduardo Caraveo-Ramos

Eduardo Caraveo-Ramos

Texas Tech University

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Brian McNeil

Brian McNeil

Texas Tech University

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Abstract

This study examined recidivism, perceived problem-solving abilities, type of offense, and personality characteristics in an incarcerated male population. Twenty black males and 32 white males were selected systematically from inmate populations. The MMPI, its special scales, and the PSI scales were analyzed; F, L, RE, and Do scales reported significant results. Recidivists scored significantly higher than nonrecidivists on the impulsive scale of the Problem Solving Inventory. Black recidivists generated significantly higher scores on the F scale than did black or white nonrecidivists. The PD scale reported a significant main effect for type of offense (p <.05). Offenders incarcerated for violent crimes scored higher on the PD scale than the nonviolent criminals. This research study demonstrated the utility of the MMPI and the PSI in discriminating between nonviolent and violent criminals.

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