MMPI supplemental scale performance of Mexican Americans and level of acculturation

Mexican American and Anglo American's performance on the Wiggins Content Scales, Harris-Lingoes subscales, and Serkownek subscales was assessed in a college student population. Level of acculturation (Mexican vs. Anglo orientation), age, and social class were statistically controlled. The results showed statistically significant differences between means of Anglo and Mexican Americans on most of the supplemental scales assessed. These differences were more numerous before scale validity criteria were applied. The number of statistically significant differences were further reduced when level of acculturation and age were statistically controlled. The results showed that level of acculturation is a highly important variable which moderates interpretation of the MMPI scale elevations we measured. Acculturation far outweighed the influence of the well established MMPI moderator variables of age and social class.     

MMPI Supplemental Scale Performance of Mexican Americans and Level of Acculturation

Mexican American and Anglo American's performance on the Wiggins Content Scales, Harris-Lingoes subscales, and Serkownek subscales was assessed in a college student population, Level of acculturation (Mexican vs. Anglo orientation), age, and social class were statistically controlled, The results showed statistically significant differences between means of Anglo and Mexican Americans on most of the supplemental scales assessed. These differences were more numerous before scale validity criteria were applied. The number of statistically significant differences were further reduced when level of acculturation and age were statistically controlled, The results showed that level of acculturation is a highly important variable which moderates interpretation of the MMPI scale elevations we measured. Acculturation far outweighted the influence of the well established MMPI moderator variables of age and social class.     

The Meaning of Unpatterned Vocational Interests

The purpose of the study was to find the relationships between SVIB patterning and psychological adjustment, maturity, and intelligence. Male SVIB profiles were categorized as Primaries, Secondaries, or No Patterns. The three groups were compared on MMPI scales, using a two-factor ANOVA; no differences between the groups were obtained at the .05 level of confidence. The groups were compared on age and aptitude scores, using in each case a simple ANOVA; no mean differences were obtained at the .05 level of confidence. Related research was reviewed and this study was found to be confirmed by several others. There is little support in the literature for the widely held belief that something is “wrong” with the client who has an unpatterned SVIB profile.     

Predicting DMS-IV cluster B personality disorder criteria from MMPI-2 and Rorschach data: a test of incremental validity

Despite their frequent conjoint clinical use, the incremental validity of Rorschach (Rorschach, 1921/1942) and MMPI (Hathaway & McKinley, 1943) data has not been adequately established, nor has any study to date explored the incremental validity of these tests for predicting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) personality disorders (PDs). In a reanalysis of existing data, we used select Rorschach variables and the MMPI PD scales to predict DSM-IV antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic PD criteria in a sample of treatment-seeking outpatients. The correlational findings revealed alimited relation between Rorschach and MMPI-2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) variables, with only 5 of 30 correlations reaching significance (p <.05). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that both the MMPI and Rorschach data add incrementally in the prediction of DSM-IV borderline and narcissistic PD total criteria scores. The findings were less clear for the incremental value of Rorschach and MMPI-2 data in predicting the total number of DSM-IV histrionic PD criteria, which were best predicted by Rorschach data, and antisocial PD criteria, which were best predicted by MMPI-2 data. In addition to providing evidence of the incremental validity of Rorschach data, these findings also shed light on the psychological characteristics of the DSM-IV Cluster B PDs.     

Predicting DSM-IV Cluster B Personality Disorder Criteria From MMPI-2 and Rorschach Data: A Test of Incremental Validity

Despite their frequent conjoint clinical use, the incremental validity of Rorschach (Rorschach, 1921/1942) and MMPI (Hathaway & McKinley, 1943) data has not been adequately established, nor has any study to date explored the incremental validity of these tests for predicting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) personality disorders (PDs). In a reanalysis of existing data, we used select Rorschach variables and the MMPI PD scales to predict DSM-IV antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic PD criteria in a sample of treatment-seeking outpatients. The correlational findings revealed a limited relation between Rorschach and MMPI-2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) variables, with only 5 of 30 correlations reaching significance (p < .05). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that both the MMPI and Rorschach data add incrementally in the prediction of DSM-IV borderline and narcissistic PD total criteria scores. The findings were less clear for the incremental value of Rorschach and MMPI-2 data in predicting the total number of DSM-IV histrionic PD criteria, which were best predicted by Rorschach data, and antisocial PD criteria, which were best predicted by MMPI-2 data. In addition to providing evidence of the incremental validity of Rorschach data, these findings also shed light on the psychological characteristics of the DSM-IV Cluster B PDs.     

A Review of MMPI and Rorschach interrelationships in adult samples

The MMPI and Rorschach are consistently ranked among the most widely used psychological assessment instruments across adolescent and adult clinical settings. Although there is an extensive research literature available on each instrument individually, relatively little research attention has been focused on the interrelationships between these measures. This article reviews the literature derived from 37 studies that have reported interrelationships between MMPI and Rorschach variables in adult populations. The results of these studies generally indicate limited or minimal relationships between the MMPI and Rorschach. A number of methodological issues, however, prevent drawing firm conclusions from the literature at this time. Directions for future research are discussed, including consideration of issues related to sources of alpha and beta error and the need for studies examining the incremental validity of combinations of Rorschach and MMPI data in prediction to relevant external criteria.     

Scale 4 (Pd) of the MMPI and the diagnosis antisocial personality

The MMPI and a structured diagnostic interview were administered to 225 military offenders in an attempt to determine the relationship between Scale 4 (Pd) of the MMPI and a behavioral diagnosis of Antisocial Personality (AS). Individuals satisfying criteria for a diagnosis of AS were found to score significantly higher than inmates not satisfying these criteria on Scale 4, regardless of whether K- or non-K-corrected T scores were used. Several potential moderating variables were crossed with the AS measure but only confining offense (person crime vs nonperson crime) evidenced a statistically significant interaction with AS.     

Psychological Adjustment and Life Style of Single Lesbians and Single Heterosexual Women

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and a 60-item structured interview questionnaire were administered to 25 white single homo-sexually-oriented women and 25 white single heterosexually-oriented women between the ages of 20 and 45 years in order to investigate their psychological adjustment and current life styles. Groups were equivalent on age, marital status, educational and occupational levels, and other demographic variables. Groups did not differ in total psychological adjustment as measured by scale scores on the MMPI nor as evaluated by blind expert raters using the MMPI profiles. Groups differed significantly on the Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) scale (p <.001) and the Hypomania (Ma) scale (p <.05). On the interview questionnaire, which included current living situations, roles and relationships, behavior and friendship patterns, and drinking, drug, and suicidal behavior, no major differ ences between groups were found. Differences between groups were found only on items directly related to sexual orientation. The findings clarify some of the myths and misconceptions about lesbianism.     

Correlates of MMPI–A Scales in Acute Psychiatric and Forensic Samples

The purpose of this study was to expand the empirical basis for interpretation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent (MMPI–A; Butcher et al., 1992). Participants were 157 boys from a forensic setting and 197 girls from an acute psychiatric inpatient setting. Criterion variables were identified from sources such as psychiatrist report, parent report, and psychosocial history. Results generally support the construct validity of MMPI–A scales. Scales measuring internalizing problems were more highly correlated with criterion measures of internalizing behaviors than measures of externalizing behaviors, whereas scales measuring externalizing problems were more highly correlated with externalizing variables than with internalizing criteria. Implications of this study include an expanded empirical foundation for interpretation of the MMPI–A, greater understanding of the constructs it measures, and evidence supporting the generalizability of these constructs across settings.     

The interpreter's personality in Draw-A-Person interpretation: a study of interpersonal style

This study investigated the relationship between accuracy in figure drawing interpretation and interpersonal style. Subjects were 66 undergraduates who completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Interpersonal Check List (ICL), and a figure drawing interpretation task. The MMPI and ICL were scored and interpreted using Leary's Interpersonal System, which provides for a multilevel assessment of interpersonal functioning. Interpretive skill was found to be associated with "affiliative" interpersonal styles (p < .05), and lack of interpretive skill was associated with "disaffiliative" interpersonal styles (p < .05) at two of the three levels examined. The role of unconscious processes in figure drawing interpretation, the nature of the interpretive process, and implications for the selection of skilled interpreters are discussed with reference to the interpersonal characteristics of the interpreter.     

The Natural History of an Outcome Prediction

This study investigated the relationship between accuracy in figure drawing interpretation and interpersonal style. Subjects were 66 undergraduates who completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Interpersonal Check List (ICL), and a figure drawing interpretation task. The MMPI and ICL were scored and interpreted using Leary's Interpersonal System, which provides for a multilevel assessment of interpersonal functioning. Interpretive skill was found to be associated with "affiliative" interpersonal styles (p < .05), and lack of interpretive skill was associated with "disaffiliative" interpersonal styles (p < .05) at two of the three levels examined. The role of unconscious processes in figure drawing interpretation, the nature of the interpretive process, and implications for the selection of skilled interpreters are discussed with reference to the interpersonal characteristics of the interpreter.     

A diet and exercise regimen: its effect upon mental acuity and personality, a pilot study.

Of the 75 patients in the February 1977 "class" at the Longevity Research Institute, Santa Barbara, California, 11 volunteers were pre- and posttested (21- to 23-day intervals) with the MMPI, 13 with the California Psychological Inventory, and 17 with four subtests of the WAIS (total: 21 males, 10 females). Ten of the (total) 32 scales showed changes in the predicted, favorable direction, statistically significant at the .05 level or better by t test. Further the number of scales changing in the predicted, desirable direction for each of the three tests was statistically significant at the .06, and .001, and .06 levels (sign test), respectively. The pilot results indicate improvement in psychological factors and mental acuity within a month's time concomitant with the diet, activity, and educational program and warrant further investigation.     

Comparative Validity Of MMPI-168 Factors And Clinical Scales

This study further explores the relative merits of MMPI factor scores versus clinical scale scores, using the MMPI results of a large unselected sample of public mental health patients and using mental status examination findings and clinical, diagnosis as criterion variables. Correlation of MMPI-168 factor scores, MMPI-168 estimated clinical scale scores and MMPI full scale clinical scores with mental status factor scores failed to evidence any clear advantage for any of the three MMPI variables. Similar findings were obtained for discriminant analysis "hit" rates, using clinical diagnosis as the prediction criterion.     

Predicting with the MMPI the adjustment of juvenile delinquents to institutionalization: does gender make a difference?

Relationships between Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales and criteria were evaluated to determine if the MMPI is gender biased when considering a juvenile delinquent population. The MMPI was administered to 549 juvenile delinquents: 105 Black men, 37 Black women, 331 White men, and 76 White women. In addition, behavioral and rating measures were collected; they served as adjustment criteria. Except for the criterion assessing neurotic symptomatology, equations that regressed criteria on MMPI scales neither underpredicted nor overpredicted for a gender. The MMPI tended to underpredict ratings of neurotic symptomatology for women. Significant differences in correlation coefficients for Black men and women occurred for the behavioral, nonrating criteria. Scale 4 was the best predictor for Black men, whereas Scales, 8, F, 1, and 2 tended to be the best predictors for Black women. Some possible explanations for these results are offered.     

Three methods of developing MMPI taxonomies of sexual offenders

In a sample of 261 state hospital sexual offenders, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles did not differ for offenders with adult victims versus offenders with child victims when offender age was controlled. MMPI 2-point analyses for the whole sample revealed five common codes that were independent of victim maturity. The sample was randomly divided in half and subjected to a cluster-analytic procedure which revealed two MMPI clusters. The first cluster was unelevated, with Scale 4 as its high point. The second cluster had multiple elevations, with Scales 8, 4, 2, and 7 as the highest scales. These clusters were replicated in a cluster analysis of the second half of the sample. However, when the sample was recombined, the two clusters were not externally validated basis on demographic and criminological variables. The results suggest that common psychological variables among sexual offenders may have more discriminative value than victim maturity in developing sexual offender taxonomies.     

Midlife Care Givers: Effectiveness of a Psychoeducational Intervention for Midlife Adults With Parent-Care Responsibilities

The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a psychoeducational group intervention that addressed the needs of adult children caring for aging parents. The intervention consisted of four 2-hour sessions and included 70 care givers, 54 to 72 years of age, who were currently caring for a parent 60 years of age or older. A delayed-treatment, control-group design with follow-up after a 4-week interval was used to study three primary variables identified through an extensive literature review as essential for care givers. These included knowledge, care giver burden, and skill development. Skill development did not change following participation, nor did care giver burden variables measured. Significant increases were found at the .05 level for knowledge, overall coping resources, and self disclosure following group participation.     

A normative and descriptive study of the MMPI with acknowledged child molesters

The MMPI performance of 122 men convicted of a sexual offense against a child was examined to determine if meaningful subgroups of these offenders could be identified. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct MMPI profile types, which were found to differ significantly on a variety of psychological, psychosexual, and offense related variables. The potential clinical meaningfulness of these differences is explored.     

Predicting behavioral outcomes with two psychological assessment methods in an outpatient pain management program

Abstract

In research with pain patients, the determination of psychological variables that can predict physiological gains would be helpful for practitioners doing assessments on pain patients. The present study used the Millon Behavioral Health Inventory (MBHI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to assess whether gains in time sitting, time standing, number of stairs climbed, time on a treadmill, treadmill speed, grip strength in both hands, and a composite score of these variables could be successfully predicted for patients at a 20-day outpatient multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program. Discriminant analyses demonstrated that both the MBHI and the MMPI were successful in this prediction. Advantages for using the two instruments singly and together in assessment procedures and suggestions for future research are made.     

Early Onset Binge Eating and Purging Eating Disorders: Course and Outcome in a Population-Based Study of Adolescents

This study aimed to describe the course of early onset eating disorders in a population-based sample followed from 14 to 20 years; identify variables that could account for the persistence of eating disorders from 14 to 20 years; and describe outcome of early onset eating disorders with reference to general and psychological functioning at age 20. Participants (N?=?1,383; 49 % male) were drawn from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, which has followed children from pre-birth to young adulthood. Eating disorder symptoms were assessed using an adapted version of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, at ages 14, 17 and 20. At age 14, 70 participants met DSM-IV criteria for a binge eating or purging eating disorder. Nearly half (44 %) of these adolescents ceased to meet criteria for an eating disorders at ages 17 and 20, whilst one-quarter still met criteria for an eating disorder at age 20 and one-fifth met criteria for an eating disorder at all three time points. Purging at age 17 and externalising behaviour problems at age 14 were the strongest predictors of eating disorder persistence to age 20. Participants who experienced a persistent eating disorder were less likely to complete high school than other participants, and reported pronounced depressive and anxiety symptoms at age 20. This study provides new data the course and outcome of early onset eating disorders at a population level. Behavioural difficulties in early adolescence and purging in middle adolescence may predict persistent eating pathology to young adulthood.     

Racial bias in prediction with the MMPI for a juvenile delinquent population

Relationships between MMPI scales and criteria were evaluated to determine if the MMPI is racially biased with a juvenile delinquent population. The MMPI was administered to 333 white and 107 black male juvenile delinquents, and criterion data were collected. The regression equations developed for Blacks and whites resulted in similar accuracies. However, the weights of the regression equations tended to differ for the two races. How they differed depended on the criterion predicted by the equations. Consequently, it was impossible to state unconditionally that the use of the MMPI with Black delinquents will have an adverse impact. In fact, one interpretation of the results suggested that the MMPI may not be racially biased for predictions with juvenile delinquents because the amount of constant error in prediction for a racial group decreased toward zero as the apparent objectivity of the criteria increased.