title: The psychometric validation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory--Revised with UK incarcerated sexual offenders.
abstract: This study examined the reliability and validity of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory--Revised (SPSI-R; D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2002) with a population of incarcerated sexual offenders. An availability sample of 499 adult male sexual offenders was used. The SPSI-R had good reliability measured by internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and adequate validity. Construct validity was determined via factor analysis. An exploratory factor analysis extracted a two-factor model. This model was then tested against the theory-driven five-factor model using confirmatory factor analysis. The five-factor model was selected as the better fitting of the two, and confirmed the model according to social problem-solving theory (D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1982). The SPSI-R had good convergent validity; significant correlations were found between SPSI-R subscales and measures of self-esteem, impulsivity, and locus of control. SPSI-R subscales were however found to significantly correlate with a measure of socially desirable responding. This finding is discussed in relation to recent research suggesting that impression management may not invalidate self-report measures (e.g. Mills & Kroner, 2005). The SPSI-R was sensitive to sexual offender intervention, with problem-solving improving pre to post-treatment in both rapists and child molesters. The study concludes that the SPSI-R is a reasonably internally valid and appropriate tool to assess problem-solving in sexual offenders. However future research should cross-validate the SPSI-R with other behavioural outcomes to examine the external validity of the measure. Furthermore, future research should utilise a control group to determine treatment impact.
authors.affiliation: Offending Behaviour Programmes Unit, HM Prison Service, 108 Cleland House, Page Street, London, SW1P 4LN, England. helen.wakeling@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
authors.forename: Helen C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wakeling
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D012742:Sex Offenses; D006113:United Kingdom