Receiver Operating Characteristics of the CAP Lie Scale and Correlates of Impression Management in Parenting Capacity Evaluations

Receiver Operating Characteristics of the CAP Lie Scale and Correlates of Impression Management in Parenting Capacity Evaluations Ryan J. Anderson The purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Child Abuse Potential L scale with a heterogeneous sample of caregivers referred for parenting capacity evaluations. One aim of the study was to assess the measurement properties of the L scale. A second aim was to evaluate the discriminative validity of the L scale by way of its receiver operating characteristics. A third aim of the study was to examine potential correlates of desirable responding on the L scale. The findings from this study provide new information about the psychometric properties of the CAP L scale and its application in clinical and forensic settings. Consistent with past investigations, caregivers produced a high rate (74.4 %) of invalid CAP profiles by way of elevated L scale scores. The L scale showed little variation across caregivers from families with different maltreatment histories. Item analyses and estimates of internal consistency showed homogeneity of the L scale, though several problem items were identified. Deletion of these items, however, produced only marginal improvements in internal consistency. The 14-item revised scale that resulted from the item deletions showed tradeoffs in sensitivity and specificity compared to the original 18-item scale. Classificatory accuracy of the 18-item scale (with emphasis on sensitivity to detect fake-good responding) was best using a cutoff score that was one to two points higher than recommendations given in the CAP manual (Milner, 1986). Last, the L scale showed inverse associations with stress and aggression. These findings suggest that caregivers perceive the context of evaluation to be coercive, pointing up the importance of procedures and pacing that increase rapport. Also, caregivers who report low levels of anger and stress produce higher L scale scores. Furthermore, findings highlight tradeoffs in L scale sensitivity and specificity that evaluators can select as a function of referral question or other relevant considerations. In sum, findings add to the scientific merit of the CAP in relation to Daubert criteria for testimonial admissibility. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAP LIE SCALE iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank the many people who contributed to the completion of this project. Dr. William Fremouw, my committee chair and advisor, consistently provided direction and focus. His penchant for productivity and efficiency has made me a more effective clinician and researcher. I am pleased to call him my “academic parent. ” The unique opportunity to evaluate and study families with maltreatment histories was made possible by Dr. Michael Crabtree. His supervision and advocacy were constant and helped me to navigate the many obstacles posed to this project and its shorter-lived antecedent. I am grateful to Drs. Aaron Metzger, Cheryl McNeil, and Tracy Morris for their insights and suggestions. Their contribution to my graduate studies and professional development extends well beyond the scope of this humble project. Dr. Metzger maintained my interest in developmental science and strengthened my understanding of parent-adolescent relationships. Dr. McNeil set in motion my interest in early intervention and provided me with skills that have proved invaluable to me as a psychologist and as a parent. Dr. Morris shaped my critical thinking skills, reinforced my commitment to behavior analysis, and brought my skepticism under stimulus control. Finally, I reserve my highest gratitude for Bethany, my wife. Her resolve, commitment, and love made all of these learning opportunities possible. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAP LIE SCALE iv