Predicting Recidivism from Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors Presented

Predicting Recidivism from Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors Presented at the UROP Symposium by Jada Bittle School of Social Ecology University of California, Irvine May 31, 2008

Mentally Ill Offenders in Criminal Justice System n Each year, half a million offenders with serious mental illnesses are placed on probation (Skeem, Encandela, & Eno Louden, 2003). n Probationers with mental illness (PMIs) are at double the risk of failing probation compared to their relatively healthy counterparts (Dauphinot, 1996).

“Failing” Probation n Probation Violations n Technical violation: a violation of the terms imposed by the court or the probation officer. These violations do not involve new criminal charges. § Drinking alcohol § Failure to report to probation officer § Failure to complete rehab or community service n New Offense: probationer is arrested and new criminal charges are brought against the probationer.

“Failing” Probation, Cont. n Probation Violation Penalties n Once the probationer has violated the terms or conditions of his probation, the judge can: n n Reinstate probation House arrest Extend Probation Revocation (send the probationer back to jail)

Risk Factor for Supervision Failure n Research suggests that PMIs have functional impairments that complicate their ability to follow conditions of probation, particularly: n n Paying fees Reporting to probation Taking medication Working (Dauphinot, 1996; Skeem & Eno Louden, 2006)

Risk Factors for Supervision Failure Research also suggests that supervision failure may be intrinsic to the individual, i. e. his disposition or personality (Skeem & Eno Louden, 2006).

Personality and Internalizing/Externalizing Personality Features • novelty-seeking • negative affectivity (neuroticism) • overactive approachrelated behaviors • overactive anxietyrelated behaviors Internalizing (Fowles, 1993; Rothbart & Bates, 1998) Externalizing

Why Study Internalizing and Externalizing? n Therefore, studying personality traits in the context of internalizing and externalizing behaviors could play a crucial role in understanding supervision failure among PMIs.

Internalizing Symptomology n Problems from within the individual and namely reflects affective and/or emotional states. n n n Anxiety Depression Suicidal thoughts (Krueger, Caspi, Moffit & Silva, 1998. )

Externalizing Symptomology n A cluster of problem behaviors that are characterized by actions directed outwards, most often towards other people. n n Aggression Violence Arguing Substance use (Krueger, Caspi, Moffitt & Silva, 1998).

The Present Study This study seeks to examine how two latent constructs, internalizing and externalizing, relate to outcomes among PMIs.

Aims of Present Study 1. Determine how individuals high and low on externalizing and internalizing differ on violations, arrests, and revocation at six months. 2. Determine how well internalizing and externalizing make unique contributions to the prediction of the recidivism indices. 3. Determine if there is an interactive effect for internalizing and externalizing on recidivism.

Hypothesis… n These two behavioral constellations are differently related to recidivism in PMIs: n n Internalizing symptomology will more strongly predict technical violations. Externalizing symptomology is expected to predict criminal behavior (revocations and arrests).

Methods n n n PMIs participated in Dr. Jennifer Skeem’s multi-site study on probation and mental health. All 358 participants were interviewed at baseline and 6 months later. Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991). n n Evaluates adult personality and psychopathology Series of 344 statements n Four point scale ranging from “false, not at all true, ” “slightly true, ” “mainly true, ” and “very true”.

Internalizing Scores n. A n composite of the: Anxiety scale n n Depression scale n n “It’s often hard for me to enjoy myself because I am worrying about things” (Question 65). “I’ve lost interest in things I used to enjoy” (Question 166). Anxiety-related disorder scale n “Sometimes I get so nervous that I’m afraid I’m going to die” (Question 305).

Externalizing Scores n. A n composite of the: Antisocial behavior scale n n Drug scale n n “Sometimes I am very violent” (Question 101). “Sometimes I use drugs to feel better” (Question 22). Alcohol scale n “My drinking seems to cause problems in my relationships with others” (Question 135).

Recidivism n Assessed at six months and included: n Technical Violations Failure to report to probation officer n Failure to pay fines n n Arrests n n New offenses Probation revocation n Sent back to jail

Participants n Sample: n n n 358 PMIs 58% male, 42% female Average age: 37 yrs old

Participants Cont… n n n 36% had a cooccurring substance abuse diagnosis. 75% of the sample had been arrested three or more times. INT and EXT scores were correlated at r=. 25, p<. 001.

Results for Aim 1 % of PMIs * * * p<. 05 The only significant difference between high and low groups was for externalization and arrests.

Results for Aim 2 % of PMIs * * There was a trend toward internalizing predicting violations.

Results for Aim 2 % of PMIs * * * p<. 05 Externalizing uniquely predicted arrest.

Results of Aim 3 There was no significant internalizing*externalizing interaction for any of the three recidivism indices.

Discussion n The n n results of this study suggest that: Internalizing symptoms may be more associated with violations. Externalizing symptoms may be more associated with arrests.

Present Study’s Contribution n n Help inform treatment programs that focus on factors linked with externalizing. Assist probation officers by providing a framework from which to assess and troubleshoot non-compliance.

Acknowledgments A Big “Thank You” to: Dr. Jennifer Skeem Sarah Manchak Pat Kennealy Dr. Val Jenness Research Participants UROP Psychology and Law Research Lab aka “ The Skeem Team”

Contact Information Jada Bittle Department of Criminology, Law & Society Department of Psychology and Social Behavior Social Ecology Honors Program University of California, Irvine jbittle@uci. edu Thanks!