An overview of the history of adolescent runaway behavior indicates that it has become a social and psychological problem of significant proportions. This study investigated the use of a personality measure that was hypothesized to be representative of a cluster of behaviors associated with running away. The study also sought to determine a predictive equation by comparing a group of adolescent runaways (N=61) to two other criterion groups: a maladjusted sample (N=59) and a control sample (N=60). In addition, it was hypothesized that there would be differences between the samples and that selected variables would distinguish between the groups. The standardized personality measure used was the short form of the Personality Inventory for Children-Revised (PIC-R). The findings indicated that the PIC-R is an extremely effective personality measure. This instrument's ability to conceptually represent the behavior and personality problems of runaway adolescents is excellent. Its utility is further enhanced by its sensitivity in discriminating criterion groups. This sensitivity is exceptional because of the actuarial interpretive system associated with this instrument, which enables the PIC-R to detect the presence or absence of psychopathology. It is recommended that, since more psychologically disturbed youth are seeking services at runaway programs and that since the PIC-R is able to detect psychopathology in the runaway adolescent, mental health services be provided to the adolescent and his/her family on the agency's premises. (LLL)