Predictive Properties and Factor Structure of the VRS-SO in an Austrian Sample

We examined the structural and predictive properties of the Violence Risk Scale-Sexual Offense (VRS-SO) version in an Austrian sample of N = 666 men incarcerated for sexual offenses; 353 of whom were followed up an average of 11 years post-release. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis of dynami...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of psychological assessment : official organ of the European Association of Psychological Assessment 2020-09, Vol.36 (5), p.748-757
Main Authors: Olver, Mark E, Eher, Reinhard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Factor Structure
Human
Incarceration
Male
Predictive Validity
Recidivism
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Sex Offenses
Violence
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Summary:We examined the structural and predictive properties of the Violence Risk Scale-Sexual Offense (VRS-SO) version in an Austrian sample of N = 666 men incarcerated for sexual offenses; 353 of whom were followed up an average of 11 years post-release. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis of dynamic item scores supported a three-factor model (Sexual Deviance, Criminality, and Treatment Responsivity) consistent with prior research. VRS-SO static, dynamic, and total scores showed good properties of discrimination for sexual (area under the receiver operating curve [AUC] = .68-.80) and violent (AUC = .65-.68) recidivism, while the factor scores showed differential prediction of these outcomes. Calibration analyses demonstrated lower estimated rates of 5-year sexual reoffense associated with VRS-SO score bands in the present sample compared to observed rates from the normative sample, with closest correspondence observed for the highest risk band (E/O index = 1.01). Implications for the psychometric properties and application of the VRS-SO in international settings are discussed.
ISSN:1015-5759
2151-2426
DOI:10.1027/1015-5759/a000551