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The current study was designed to advance general research investigating the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), by examining whether the psychometric properties of the PAI would generalize to a sample differing from the original standardization sample. Specifically, the reliability and factor structure of the PAI were examined in a mixed neuropsychological sample. Reliability full scale coefficients ranged from .72 to .94, and subscale coefficients ranged from .60 to .90. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test Morey's original four-factor model (for all 22 PAI scales) and three-factor model (for the 11 clinical scales). CFA results indicated that Morey's original factor solutions were not a good fit. Thus, following Morey's original methodology, principal components analyses (PCA) were conducted on all 22 PAI scales and on the 11 PAI clinical scales and the results indicated evidence for a five-component solution (for all 22 PAI scales) and a two-component solution (for the 11 clinical scales). Overall, while results indicated some relatively subtle differences between the original standardization sample and the current sample, they still supported the notion that the PAI is a reliable and valid measure when used in a neuropsychological sample. This study expands upon the existing literature related to the clinical utility of the PAI in specialized samples.

Following the recommendations of Lent, Brown and Hackett's Social Cognitive Career Theory (2000), we measured eighth grade boys' and girls' perception of the proportion of men and women employed in occupations and their level of interest and self-efficacy for those occupations. Results indicated that eighth grade boys and girls expressed stronger career interest in and higher self-efficacy for those occupations that they rated as employing more of their own gender. The study highlights how career practitioners can work with adolescents to widen their perceived range of occupational choices.

Two hundred sixty African American college students attending predominantly White institutions completed the Black Student Stress Inventory (BSSI) and a measure of psychological adjustment; academic performance indices on a subsample were obtained via archival records. Principal components analysis of the BSSI yielded a three-factor solution: race-related stress, psychological/interpersonal stress, and academic stress. As predicted, general and race-related perceived stressors as measured by the BSSI were related to psychological distress; academic stress was specifically related to overall GPA. In fact, perceived academic stress accounted for more variance in 1st-year GPAthan did ACT scores. Implications of the findings as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

Minors were asked questions regarding their cigarette-purchasing behavior and a group of volunteer minors were sent into stores to purchase cigarettes in a large Midwestern city. Results show that cigarette sales rates for two sampling data taken one year apart were 80% and 82%. In addition, minors reported they can easily purchase cigarettes from stores and vending machines. The results indicate that minors have easy access to cigarettes in a large Midwestern city.

This study determined if schizophrenia symptom severity and independent living skills at discharge, or while residing in the community, predicted re-hospitalization for discharged patients with schizophrenia. A total of 60 patients were discharged from a state psychiatric hospital and had completed assessments at discharge, 6 months, and 1 year post discharge. There were 12 patients who were re-hospitalized. There were no differences between the re-hospitalized and not re-hospitalized groups based on third-party ratings of schizophrenia symptom severity and independent living skills. However, the patients' self-report and third party ratings of deteriorating general mental health symptoms 6 months after discharge predicted re-hospitalization.

Abstract 1. The authors of this chapter explain the importance of careful partnership building that facilitates a delicate balance between the internal validity wrought by scientific rigor and control and external and ecological validity in prevention programs. They define and ...

This study examined the psychometric properties of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) with one specialized population. A sample of 264 incarcerated women in a large, Midwest, maximum security correctional center reported on the conflict tactics they employed against their partner (self as aggressor) and their partner employed on them (self as victim). High chronicity and severity rates of partner violence were reported, and the psychometric properties of the CTS2 were altered. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution for both the Self as Victim and Self as Aggressor subscales. These factors were labeled Negotiation, Sexual Coercion, Injury, and General Assault, which combined the Physical Assault and Psychological Aggression subscales originally proposed by the instrument's developers. Implications for the general use of the CTS2 and for use with incarcerated women are discussed.