Predicting Violent Behavior in Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury: The Utility of the Personality Assessment Inventory
Date of Award
7-15-2009
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Kimberly A. Gorgens
Second Advisor
Lisa A. Brenner
Third Advisor
Ryan E. Breshears
Keywords
Traumatic brain injury, Violent behavior, Veteran
Abstract
This study investigated the Personality Assessment Inventory's (PAI) Violence Potential Index (VPI) and Aggression (AGG) scale as predictors of violent behavior among military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Archival data was gathered via searches of 154 veterans' medical records to identify documented incidents of violence within a two-year period following PAI administration. Sixteen out of 154 veterans (10.4%) engaged in violent behavior. Both the VPI (p=0.002) and AGG (p=0.01) were significant predictors of violent outcomes. However, approximately half of veterans with violent behavior fell below PAI recommended cutoff values, suggesting that low scores on the VPI and AGG do not preclude future violence. Further clinical assessment of the potential for violence is warranted among veterans with TBI.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Leach, Robert L., "Predicting Violent Behavior in Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury: The Utility of the Personality Assessment Inventory" (2009). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 259.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/259