Demonstrating the Reliability and Validity of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire for Assessing Violent and Nonviolent Recidivism with Female Offenders in South Africa

Abstract

Explanations regarding the involvement of females in crime, justice, and punishment in South Africa are primarily based on the experiences of male offenders with little knowledge about the criminogenic offender assessment of female offenders. The Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) is an actuarial measure designed for the identification of offenders’ static and dynamic risk factors and criminogenic needs that may increase or diminish their risk upon release. This study involves a sample of 284 female offenders incarcerated in three inter-provincial correctional centers in South Africa. The goal of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the SAQ in relation to its reliability, validity, and potential use as part of the criminogenic assessment of female offenders, within the multicultural South African context. Research results indicated that the SAQ is reliable and valid to use with South African offenders.