IV: Empirically Determined Characteristics of the Ten Types

Abstract

This study reports the characteristics of ten groups of youthful male offenders defined on the basis of their MMPI profile characteristics. The MMPIs of 1,214 youthful male offendes admitted to a Federal Correctional Institution over a two-year period were classified according to the procedures described by Megargee and Dorhout (1977). The ten groups were then contrasted on a number of variables derived from intake interviews, presentence investigation reports, psychologists' Q-sorts, and a number of personality, ability, and achievement tests. Highly significant differences were obtained on 75 of 86 comparisons, and it was concluded that the ten groups did differ substantially in their behavior, social histories, life styles, and personality patterns. A modal description of each group is offered, with the understanding that marked individual variations from these stereotypes can be expected and that individuals may also change from one group to another over time. Hypotheses as to the optimal modes of management and treatment are offered for each group.

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