Revision and validation of the recidivism risk scale for individuals convicted of homicide (RRS-ICH)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to revise and validate the Recidivism Scale for Inmates (Rasool & Iftikhar, 2022) to assess the factors of recidivism in individuals convicted of homicide. The sample for this study comprised 200 individuals, aged 30 to 70 years, who were granted parole after being convicted of homicide. An exploratory factor analysis using varimax rotation yielded a five-factor structure across 42 items. The Internal consistency estimates produced a good alpha coefficient (ɑ =.84) for the overall RRS-ICH. Moreover, all items of the RRS-ICH were significantly correlated with the total score of RRS-ICH, confirming construct homogeneity and structural validity of items. A series of confirmatory factor analyses supported the five-factor structure of the scale, demonstrating an adequate model fit, CFI = .92, TLI = .91, and RMSEA = .067, 90% CI [.052, .078], yielding an excellent normed chi-square ratio of 1.87 (χ² (769) = 1439.86, p < .001). All indicator regression weights were statistically significant (p < .05), confirming convergent validity. Furthermore, discriminant validity was supported as all inter-factor correlations were below .85, thereby confirming overall construct validity. The RRS-ICH is a valid and reliable instrument of the factors of recidivism in individuals convicted of homicide.