Criterion Validity of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method in a Criminal Justice Sample

Author

Sarah M. MonaghanFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department/Program

Forensic Psychology

Language

English

First Advisor or Mentor

Casey LaDuke

Second Reader

Rebecca Weiss

Third Advisor

Preeti Chauhan

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to determine the clinical utility of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU-TBI-ID) in a criminal justice sample, by evaluating the criterion-related validity of this instrument. It was hypothesized that this tool could differentiate between incarcerated individuals with or without a history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on measures evaluating important TBI-related sequalae. The sample consisted of 95 incarcerated men detained at a private correctional facility in a Mid-Atlantic state. Measures used in this study to evaluate executive functioning difficulties, psychiatric difficulties, substance use problems, institutional misconduct and recidivism were compared between those with and without a history of moderate-to-severe TBI (i.e., the OSU-TBI-ID Worst Score). Results from a series of independent samples t-tests and chi-squared tests of independence reveal that the OSU-TBI-ID is effective at tapping into the construct of inhibition in this justice-involved sample. In light of the limitations inherent in the current study design (e.g., generalizability of the archival sample and dichotomous classification of TBI), this finding is quite compelling evidence of the criterion-related validity of the OSU-TBI-ID. Significant relationships were not identified between TBI and other cognitive or behavioral outcomes. Future research should take into account the limitations inherent in this study, and continue to contribute to the area of TBI assessment in criminal justice populations. Development of a reliable and valid method of eliciting a history of TBI in an incarcerated population is essential for improving the treatment and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals, which will ultimately result in saved resources, successful community reentry, and cultivation of a healthier, safer society.

Recommended Citation

Monaghan, Sarah M., "Criterion Validity of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method in a Criminal Justice Sample" (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/189