The utility of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory with offenders.
Self-report instruments can provide useful information as part of a thorough clinical assessment. However, their use in forensic settings can be problematic. The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) has recently been proposed as an effective instrument for screening and outcome measurement in anger management programs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of this instrument in a sample of both voluntary and court-ordered anger-management clients, all of whom were determined through diagnostic interviews to have significant anger problems. Contrary to findings in nonforensic samples, the STAXI Trait Anger scale identified only about half of the participants as having anger-management problems severe enough to require intervention. Supplemental analysis with two additional scales did not significantly improve sensitivity. In addition to thorough diagnostic interviewing, forensic use of the STAXI (like similar assessment methods) may require additional validity scales to detect denial or socially desirable response patterns.
Foley
Pamela F
PF
Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey 07079, USA. foleypam@shu.edu
Hartman
Bruce W
BW
Dunn
Adriana B
AB
Smith
John E
JE
Goldberg
David M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000786:Anger; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires