Adolescent response style: Do adolescents respond differently on the MAYSI-2 dependent on the administrator?

摘要

Juvenile delinquency rates continue to steadily increase (Sickmund, 2009). Juveniles in the court system have a high probability of a mental diagnoses; having more than one diagnosis is not uncharacteristic of the juvenile delinquent population (Teplin, Abram, McClelland, Dulcan, & Mericle, 2002; Vermeirin, Jespers & Moffit, 2006). A significant amount of research has been focused on the mental health needs of juveniles (Grisso, Vincent, & Seagrave, 2005).;This study will focus on the Massachusetts Youth Screening Inventory-2 (MAYSI-2) and its administration within the juvenile detention setting; specifically if there is a difference in juvenile responses depending on the administrator of the MAYSI-2. Samples of juvenile MAYSI-2 scores were taken from two separate juvenile detention centers. One detention center utilizes correctional staff to administer the MAYSI-2; while the other center utilizes clinical staff to administer the MAYSI-2.;A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was utilized to compare a between subjects analysis. The MANOVA found a statistically significant difference between the two sites. The site utilizing clinicians to administer the MAYSI-2 had a significantly greater amount of responses when compared to the site utilizing correctional officers for administration. This was true for all seven MAYSI-2 scales except the somatic complaint scale.