abstract
In this study, we examined the validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory (CitationMorey, 1991) Aggression (AGG) scales and Violence Potential index (VPI) in 399 male combat veterans presenting for formal evaluation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The AGG scales exhibited convergence with other measures of hostility and violence and demonstrated discriminant validity with alternative constructs. When we examined reports of interpersonal violence in the past year, the AGG composite scale displayed substantial incremental validity over the effects of PTSD severity, demographics, a simple dichotomous question regarding violence in the past 30 days, and MMPI-2 (CitationButcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) scales measuring aggression. The VPI, however, added no unique explanatory power over the AGG composite scale.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Eric Crawford is now at the National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California. The views expressed in this manuscript are of those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Veterans Health Administration.
Notes
aGiven in years.
aDenotes point-biserial correlation.
* p< .001
a n = 376.
b n = 23.