Abstract:
The problem. The problem was to obtain Q sort statement assignments for two code types of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles and compare these applications with a random sample to determine whether any patterns of differences exist and to state these differences.
Procedure. MMPI profiles were obtained from inmates incarcerated at the Iowa State Penitentiary. Two code types were selected from the population of one thousand inmates. Q sort statements were selected and raters were chosen to assign the Q statements to each subject. Raters were instructed to read the subject's treatment file and assign Q statements ranging from "most descriptive" to "least descriptive." The same assignment process was then applied to a random sample.
Findings. Percentage agreement between the raters was recorded and analyzed. The 4'2 and 4'9 profile code types were selected. The investigator found several similarities and differences between the two codes and the random sample. Several areas of contrast were also noted in descriptive data which was recorded in the treatment files: age, prior incarcerations, attitude regarding childhood, etc.
Conclusions. The investigator's findings appeared to correspond with those found by Marks and Seeman in their atlas. It appears that Q statement applications in a penitentiary are similar to those found in other clinical settings.
Recommendations. A recommendation for future studies is to identify additional profile code types and eventually use for prediction of inmates' adjustment to incarceration.
