Work

Expanding on the factor structure and construct validity of the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) in a general correctional sample.

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: = 303) identified the best fitting factor structures for the two item sets. Construct validity was tested through correlations between the START factor scores and external criteria indexing mental health, criminogenic risk, personal resources, and reentry/treatment attitudes. Exploratory factor analyses found four factors featuring well-being, externalizing, personal resources, and openness to change for the strengths and vulnerabilities items independently; in each case, confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the exploratory factor analysis-derived structure was superior to the unidimensional model. Convergent and discriminant validity were partially supported, with most factors correlating meaningfully with theoretically consistent external criteria. Results provided preliminary evidence of the multidimensionality of the START as used in an incarcerated sample. Further research replicating these factors and examining their predictive validity is needed to confirm their utility. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Psychological Assessment

DOI: 10.1037/pas0001413

Authors: Haomin Ivy Chen, Bryanna Fox, Edelyn Verona

Institution: University of South Florida

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute of Justice