MMPI-2-RF Differences Between Violent Offending and Institutional Violence Among Incarcerated Women

Emily D. Gottfried, Abby L. Mulay, Allison M. Schenk, Michael J. Vitacco

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The examination of violence perpetrated by female offenders remains an understudied topic, as research typically focuses on male offender samples. As such, it remains unclear what personality characteristics may be associated with the perpetration of violence among female offenders. This study sought to examine the relationship between personality characteristics, as assessed by the MMPI-2-RF, and engagement in violence, within a sample of 228 incarcerated women. Results indicated that women serving time for a violent offense obtained higher mean scores on MMPI-2-RF scales related to underreporting, atypical thoughts/experiences, and paranoia. Women who obtained disciplinary reports for violence within the institution obtained higher mean scores on MMPI-2-RF scales related to behavior/externalizing dysfunction, overactivation, and aggression. Taken together, violence was most strongly associated with the MMPI-2-RF scales related to paranoia and atypical thoughts/experiences (e.g., THD, PSYC-r). This study provides new data on the viability of the MMPI-2-RF to provide critical insights into violent and aggression behavior in female inmates, an understudied population and demonstrate the instrument’s efficacy in assessing characteristics associated with violent behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)497-514
Number of pages18
JournalViolence and Victims
Volume37
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2022

Keywords

  • MMPI-2-RF
  • female offenders
  • institutional misconduct
  • violence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Health(social science)
  • Law

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'MMPI-2-RF Differences Between Violent Offending and Institutional Violence Among Incarcerated Women'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this