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Abstract
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Objective: Investigate personality and neuropsychological characteristics of violent-towards-staff (VTS) and non-VTS juvenile offenders (JOs).
Methods: 68 JOs; 11 VTS and 57 non-VTS, completed the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory (MACI). Twenty JOs; 4 VTS and 16 non-VTS; completed Trails A, B, and ABC; Luria sensorimotor; and the WISC-III Mazes.
Results: Discriminant analysis based on the 3 MACI scales measuring traits similar to psychopathic personality traits correctly categorized all 68 JOs to the correct VTS or non-VTS category (p < .01). Discriminant analysis based on the 6 most salient MACI scales correctly categorized all 68 JOs to the correct VTS or non-VTS category (p < .05). Discriminant analysis based on the 10 most salient MACI questions correctly categorized 100% of VTS JOs (p = .0002). VTS JOs completed Trails B slower than non-VTS JOs (p < .02). VTS JO scores did not differ from non-VTS JO scores on Trails A, Trails ABC and Mazes. Discriminant analysis of Trails A, B, and ABC, and the WISC-III Mazes tests failed to categorize JOs at a significant level. JCF = Juvenile Correctional Facility, VTS = Violent towards staff, JO = Juvenile Offender. |