Personality Assessment Inventory-derived estimates of section III antisocial personality disorder and recidivism in a sample of men evaluated for sexually violent predator status.

Abstract

The Personality Assessment Inventory is a broadband self-report instrument of personality, psychopathology, and response style that is commonly used in Sexually Violent Predator evaluations. These evaluations typically involve assessment of personality pathology that is empirically associated with recidivism, such as psychopathic personality disorder. Over the past several years, researchers have developed rescoring procedures for the Personality Assessment Inventory that compute information on the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders-a hybrid dimensional-categorical model of personality functioning (Criterion A) and pathological traits (Criterion B). Although these scores are available for applied use, there is limited work on their psychometric properties in forensic evaluations. The present study examines whether antisocial personality disorder and related facets predict recidivism in a sample of incarcerated men evaluated for Sexually Violent Predator status. Results suggest these scores modestly predict most forms of recidivism and sex offender registry violations. However, no score predicted sexual recidivism. This pattern suggests that these scores can inform consideration of risk for certain forms of recidivism (e.g., violent), but are perhaps less useful for determining risk of additional sexual offenses. These results provide preliminary evidence that these Personality Assessment Inventory scores modestly predict outcomes relevant to forensic practitioners and may be a viable approach to measuring personality pathology that is commonly assessed in forensic work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).