Assessing the Dimensional Structure and Measurement Invariance of STABLE-2007 Scores in a California Sample of Adult Men on Parole for Sex Crimes

Authors

  • Ryan E. Ditchfield Orcid
    Department of Criminology, California State University, Fresno, CA, USA
  • Allen Azizian Orcid
    Department of Criminology, California State University, Fresno, CA, USA
  • Deirdre D'Orazio Orcid
    Department of State Hospitals, SVP-Conditional Release Program, Sacramento, CA, USA
  • Lea Chankin
    California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Division on Adult Parole Operations, Sacramento, CA, USA

Abstract

The STABLE-2007 is a 13-item instrument used to identify, treat, and monitor changes in criminogenic needs associated with sexual reoffending, but no empirical research to date has examined the construct validity of this instrument within California. The present study assessed the factor structure and measurement invariance of STABLE-2007 scores in a Californian sample of 873 parolees enrolled in a community sex offense treatment program. Archival scores for the STABLE-2007 were compared across four time points over the course of supervision. Consistent with the broader literature on sexual offending risk, we found preliminary support for an invariant two-factor structure consisting of antisociality and atypical sexuality. In addition to providing support for the STABLE-2007’s construct validity and reliability, our identification of two clear constructs reflecting antisociality and atypical sexuality lays a foundation for establishing the instrument’s validity and reliability within the context of United States community correctional populations.