An examination of the stability of the MMPI Personality Disorder Scales

Recently, a set of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales for the diagnosis of personality disorders have attracted research attention. As personality disorders are thought to represent long-standing trait disturbances, any measure of these disorders should be stable over time and relatively free from state influences. This study investigated the stability of the MMPI scales in 67 subjects across a brief inpatient treatment for substance abuse. The results indicated high levels of stability across the 3-week treatment period.     

Low-End Specificity of Four Depression Measures: Findings and Suggestions for the Research Use of Depression Tests

Past research has found that very low scorers on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) tend to respond in a fake-good manner on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) validity scales. This finding was interpreted as evidence of poor low-end specificity. This study replicated and extended this work by evaluating the low-end specificity of four popular depression measures. The evidence of problems with low-end specificity was strong for the BDI and marginal for the Profile of Mood States depression subscale. Interestingly, MMPI scores in the normal range were associated with fake-good responding, whereas very low and high scores were not. There was no evidence of an association between fake-good responding and scores on Exner's Depression Index for the Rorschach. Implications of these findings and guidelines for dealing with problems with low-end specificity in research are discussed.     

Estimation of MCMI DSM-III Axis II Constructs From MMPI Scales and Subscales

Wiggins, Harris and Lingoes, and Serkownek Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scores were used to predict Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MGMI) scores in a 100-patient sample. Equations from the first sample were cross-validated on a sample of 212 inmate subjects. We conclude that scores on 19 of the 20 MCMI scales can be successfully predicted by the Wiggins, Harris and Lingoes, and Serkownek subscales of the MMPI. In further cross-validation, the equations were used to predict the Morey, Waugh, and Blashfield MMPI composites for the prison sample, again with strongly positive results. The results appear quite promising for the estimation of personality disorder constructs from MMPI scales and subscales.     

Estimation of MCMI DSM-III axis II constructs from MMPI scales and subscales

Wiggins, Harris and Lingoes, and Serkownek Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scores were used to predict Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) scores in a 100-patient sample. Equations from the first sample were cross-validated on a sample of 212 inmate subjects. We conclude that scores on 19 of the 20 MCMI scales can be successfully predicted by the Wiggins, Harris and Lingoes, and Serkownek subscales of the MMPI. In further cross-validation, the equations were used to predict the Morey, Waugh, and Blashfield MMPI composites for the prison sample, again with strongly positive results. The results appear quite promising for the estimation of personality disorder constructs from MMPI scales and subscales.     

Racial identity and the MMPI in African American male college students

The relation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to the Racial Identity Attitude Scale--Black, Short Form (RIAS-B) was examined among 50 African American male college students in a reanalysis of unpublished MMPI data described in R. H. Dana (1993). This permitted study of relationships between MMPI scores and specific psychological variables hypothesized to produce cultural differences among African Americans. Results indicated RIAS-B scale scores functioned as predictors of MMPI scale scores. Similar research with the MMPI-2 incorporating larger samples that more adequately represent African American heterogeneity is needed. Methodological implications of these findings for MMPI-2 research with ethnic and racial groups are discussed, emphasizing the importance of research to depathologize African American racial and cultural identity.     

Updating the Jesness Inventory randomness validity scales for the Jesness Inventory-Revised

I updated 2 previously developed randomness scales for the Jesness Inventory (Jesness, 1983)-the Jesness Variable Response Inconsistency scale (J-VRIN) and the Variable Response scale (J-VR)-for the Jesness Inventory-Revised (Jesness-R; Jesness, 2003). I investigated efficacies for those 2 scales and a 3rd randomness scale described in the Jesness-R manual, the Randomness scale (J-RR), by comparing 76 protocols of delinquents, ages 13 to 17 years, screened for probable randomness with a matched-pair MMPI-Adolescent (Butcher et al., 1992) or a Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (Millon, Millon, & Davis, 1993), with 100 all-random protocols, and 40 partially random protocols. J-VRIN and J-VR in conjunction successfully detected 98% of the all-random protocols and 83% of the partially random protocols. J-RR successfully detected 19% and 10%, respectively. I report predictive power and overall effectiveness for base rates of .10 and .20.     

An MMPI typology of cocaine abusers.

Three types were found in a cluster analysis of scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) of 100 men voluntarily presenting for treatment of cocaine abuse. Type 1 (n = 59) had a mean MMPI profile consistent with the hypothesized grouping of persons who self-medicate with cocaine as a means of overcoming depression. The relatively normal mean MMPI profile obtained by Type 2 (n = 37) suggested little indication of significant psychopathology. Type 3's (n = 4) mean MMPI profile suggested either severe disturbance or profile invalidity. Types were found to differ in the nature of drug use, reactions to cocaine, education level, and social class, but not on the scales of the Adjective Check List.     

Gender Differences in Depression in an Employment Setting

This study extends the literature on sex differences in depression to an employment setting, using Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI; T and raw scores) and Depression (D) 30 measures. In contrast to previous findings, no gender differences remained on any of the measures after the effects of salary, age, education, and job classification had been taken into account. Findings replicated earlier results showing depressed males to have greater difficulty with concentration and motivation than depressed females. Data suggest that MMPI sex-based T-scores may overcorrect for sex differences in raw scores. Possible explanations for the findings are discussed, including a general improvement in women's well-being associated with changes in social conditions such as employment, or the possibility of a self-selection bias in our sample.     

Gender differences in depression in an employment setting

This study extends the literature on sex differences in depression to an employment setting, using Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI; T and raw scores) and Depression (D) 30 measures. In contrast to previous findings, no gender differences remained on any of the measures after the effects of salary, age, education, and job classification had been taken into account. Findings replicated earlier results showing depressed males to have greater difficulty with concentration and motivation than depressed females. Data suggest that MMPI sex-based T-scores may overcorrect for sex differences in raw scores. Possible explanations for the findings are discussed, including a general improvement in women's well-being associated with changes in social conditions such as employment, or the possibility of a self-selection bias in our sample.     

Delinquency and Jesness Inventory Scores

Investigated validity implications of the Jesness Inventory for institutionalized male adolescent delinquents. This population showed deviant mean T scores on this inventory's Asocial Index (69.5) and on its Social Maladjustment (65.2) subscale. Scores on 4 of the 10 subscales, Social Maladjustment, Value Orientation, Autism, and Manifest Aggression, correlated positively (p less than .0001) with both frequency of prior arrests and number of previous institutionalizations. This pattern of significant relationship is consistent with research reported in other studies and it was concluded that the present results provide additional support for the research and diagnostic uses of this instrument in assessing adolescent social maladjustment.     

Low scores on California Psychological Inventory as predictors of psychopathology in alcoholic patients

This study concerned the use of generally low California Psychological Inventory (CPI) profiles to predict elevated MMPI scores. In a sample of 110 subjects, a CPI profile with T-scores of 25 or less reflects major psychopathology and there is a 79% chance of correct prediction of MMPI T-scores over 80. As a further validation, a Goldberg Individual Index was established with a cut-off score of 70 to classify profiles as psychotic or nonpsychotic. It appears that the California Psychological Inventory can be expanded in making dual diagnoses for alcoholic patients. Scores can be used in treatment planning for alcoholic patients and to identify those individuals who should complete an MMPI for additional treatment planning and diagnoses.     

An MMPI Typology of Cocaine Abusers

Three types were found in a cluster analysis of scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) of 100 men voluntarily presenting for treatment of cocaine abuse. Type 1 (n = 59) had a mean MMPI profile consistent with the hypothesized grouping of persons who self-medicate with cocaine as a means of overcoming depression. The relatively normal mean MMPI profile obtained by Type 2 (n = 37) suggested little indication of significant psychopathology. Type 3's (n = 4) mean MMPI profile suggested either severe disturbance or profile invalidity. Types were found to differ in the nature of drug use, reactions to cocaine, education level, and social class, but not on the scales of the Adjective Check List.     

MMPI code types and the fantasy prone personality

We administered the MMPI and the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imagining (ICMI) to 1,200 college students. Application of diagnostic efficiency statistics for the ability of differing ICMI cutoff scores to identify college students producing a schizophrenia spectrum MMPI code type revealed that scores greater than or equal to 29 on the ICMI had good positive predictive power. Scores less than 29 on the ICMI had very good negative predictive power. ICMI scores were also used to form a group of fantasizers (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Fantasizers were much more likely to produce MMPI codes associated with a vulnerability to schizophrenia (70%) than were controls (3.33%). Although most controls(70%) produced non-elevated MMPI scores, 66.67% of the fantasizers produced three or more elevated clinical scales on the MMPI. The modal MMPI profile for the fantasizers was an 8-9 code, indicating that fantasizers appear at heightened risk for eccentric thinking and a Cluster A or B personality organization.     

Conversion equations for modified scoring of the MMPI-168

For a sample of 300 patients who had been administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the MMPI-168 was extracted from the full MMPI and scored to incorporate those items normally excluded by Form R keys. MMPI-168 correlations with the full MMPI ranged from .80 to .97 with a mean of .90, indicating satisfactory statistical validity, and modified scoring was shown to improve predictability for Pa and Sc. Using these data, substitution equations for transforming MMPI-168 raw scores to estimates of full-scale scores were calculated. These transformations did not differ greatly from those reported in previous research except on Pa and Sc, where additional items increase scale length substantially.     

MMPI correlates of Exner's Egocentricity Index in an adolescent psychiatric population

This research examined the relationship between Exner's Egocentricity Index (EI) and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Scales 2, 4, and 9 in an adolescent psychiatric population. Subjects with a low EI had significantly higher MMPI Depression (D) scale elevations compared to those with a high EI. Furthermore, of the adolescents who had Scale 2 scores in the clinical range, 68% also had an EI in the bottom half of the distribution. There was no relationship between the EI and MMPI scales 4 and 9. These findings are discussed in light of the generally poor correlations between MMPI and Rorschach variables.     

The Utility of MMPI–2–RF Scale Scores in the Differential Diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder

This study was designed to determine whether scores on selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF) scales could be used to differentiate between individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The sample was drawn from 2 psychiatric inpatient hospitals and included data from 199 individuals with SCZ and 808 individuals with MDD. A series of multivariate analyses of variance, analyses of variance, and odds ratios were calculated to determine which MMPI–2–RF scales provide the best differentiation between individuals presenting with these 2 disorders. Results indicated scales assessing internalizing dysfunction, including Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID), Restructured Clinical Scales Demoralization (RCd), Low Positive Emotions (RC2), Suicidal/Death Ideation (SUI), and Self Doubt (SFD) best discriminated MDD from SCZ. Scales assessing thought dysfunction, incluidng Thought Dysfunction (THD), Restructured Clinical Scales Ideas of Persecution (RC6) and Aberrant Experiences (RC8), and Psychoticism-Revised (PSYC-r) were demonstrated to best identify SCZ. Comparisons of the examined MMPI–2–RF scales to MMPI–2 scales assessing similar constructs suggested scales from the MMPI–2–RF perform similarly to their MMPI–2 counterparts in detecting MDD or SCZ, but might have increased ability to discriminate SCZ from other conditions. Overall, results of this study suggest that scores on the examined MMPI–2–RF scales provide important information about the differential diagnosis of MDD and SCZ to clinicians working in inpatient settings.     

Oral-dependence and gender: factors in help-seeking response set and self-reported psychopathology in psychiatric inpatients

Psychoanalytic theory suggests that orality and being female are positively related to adopting a help-seeking stance in the world. This may result in inflated scores on self-report psychological tests. These hypotheses were investigated using Rorschach-based, oral-dependence scores (Masling, 1986), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) help-seeking F minus K index (Gough, 1950; Meehl, 1951), and the MMPI clinical and supplementary scales. High orals are found to be more likely than low orals to adopt a help-seeking response set which in turn results in inflated scores on a number of MMPI clinical scales. Contrary to stereotypes, women are no more likely than men to be help seeking or oral dependent. Several other significant findings, including that orality is positively related to MMPI Scale 2 (Depression) scores for women, not men, are also discussed.     

Oral-Dependence and Gender: Factors in Help-Seeking Response Set and Self-Reported Psychopathology in Psychiatric Inpatients

Psychoanalytic theory suggests that orality and being female are positively related to adopting a help-seeking stance in the world. This may result in inflated scores on self-report psychological tests. These hypotheses were investigated using Rorschach-based, oral-dependence scores (Masling, 1986), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) help-seeking F minus K index (Gough, 1950; Meehl, 1951), and the MMPI clinical and supplementary scales. High orals are found to be more likely than low orals to adopt a help-seeking response set which in turn results in inflated scores on a number of MMPI clinical scales. Contrary to stereotypes, women are no more likely than men to be help seeking or oral dependent. Several other significant findings, including that orality is positively related to MMPI Scale 2 (Depression) scores for women, not men, are also discussed.     

Exploring MMPI-Rorschach Relationships

Limitations exist in the current literature examining Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)—Rorschach interrelationships. In this article I attempt to identify several issues to be addressed by researchers in this area. These include restricting conclusions about MMPI—Rorschach relationships to research using the Comprehensive System; considering the relative reliability and validity of these tests; comparing the predictive power of the Rorschach and MMPI; examining the effects extreme outliers have on statistical analyses; and determining the appropriate level of analysis for research, the level of individual test scores, or psychological constructs. The implications of these issues for research design, statistical analysis, and applied clinical work are discussed.